SIMON Raiwalui will succeed Gary Teichmann as Newport captain next season.

But the chances of the Fijian lock playing for Newport in next month's Principality Cup final have taken a further knock.

The choice of Raiwalui as Newport skipper for next season was due to be announced at a Rodney Parade Press conference today.

He has been with Newport for two years, making 21 appearances last season after playing for Fiji in the World Cup and 27 out of a possible 29 this season.

He has led Newport three times in the absence of Teichmann and has also captained his country, that experience clearly counting heavily in his favour.

A strong, silent type, Raiwaluio revels in rugby, playing virtually 12 months a year and travelling huge distances to play for club and country.

He will lead Newport by example, and has pipped centre Andy Marinos for the captaincy.

But Raiwalui continues to be on a collision course with Fiji, who still insist he returns before the cup final in Wales.

To strengthen their case they have now arranged a match as their first trial for the Epson Pacific Rim tournament.

Rather than play a trial involving the best 30 or more players as the first warm-up, Fiji are now meeting a New Zealand club side instead.

Newport can't simply withdraw Raiwalui because if they do then under International Board regulations he would be ineligible for the cup final.

Newport have made special arrangements for Teichmann's final home game on Saturday against Caerphilly after the huge success of last night's question and answer session at the club, fans packing to the doors and beyond.

There will be a braai, which is a South African style barbecue, with 1,000 free Teichmann masks all starting at midday.