SOUTH African star Joost van der Westhuizen's signing has put Newport Rugby Club on course for a modern day record of 4,000 season ticket sales.
The boost given by the scrum half's capture meant Newport sold 1,500 tickets in the first week they went on sale.
Another 1,100 have signed up since to make it 2,600 and the club are confident they will quickly pass last season's total of 3,300.
"If only all those remaining season ticket holders from last season sign up, we will comfortably pass 3,300," said chief executive Keith Grainger.
"A lot of these are terrace ticket holders and so we expect them to sign up again as there has been no price increase for them.
"It is excellent news and shows the interest in the club ahead of the new season is greater than ever."
New South African coach Ian McIntosh arrives back in Newport for a few days at the weekend to discuss the first week's training with director of rugby Allan Lewis.
On the player front, scrum half Darren Edwards currently remains a Newport player, though he has been linked with a move to London Irish.
He is currently on holiday and a decision may be taken next week.
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