EVERYTHING is at stake for Gwent's big two rugby clubs when another season gets under way as early as Friday night.

It may be only mid-August, but the slog which rugby has in many ways become is only days away from resuming.

Already a number of star players like Mark Taylor, Neil Jenkins and Darren Morris face long spells out of the game because of injury; the product of such a stamina-sapping schedule.

Newport will be without 1an Gough for six weeks, while other members of the British Lions tour party in Australia this summer are resting.

International demands are even heavier with Romania and last season's postponed Ireland game to be played in the first two months even before the three November games.

There is certain to be clashes between the clubs and the WRU (what's new?) over these increasing demands and on who should have first call on the players.

The aim for both Newport and Ebbw Vale will be to improve on last season's efforts in the league.

Though Newport won the cup for the first time for 24 years to provide a glorious finale to Gary Teichmann's career, the final league position of fourth was a disappointment after the runners-up spot the previous year.

The general feeling was that Newport under-performed and steps have been taken this summer to try to rectify the situation.

Two more major figures in South African rugby have been signed up, one on the field and one off it.

Ian McIntosh arrives as coach charged with getting the team playing to their full potential.

Joost van der Westhuizen is on his way. One of the most explosive players in world rugby, he could set Rodney Parade alight.

So results will be expected and almost immediately come matches at two of the clubs looking to depose them, Neath and Bridgend.

Those September league games should give the answer to how Newport will fare this season.

Ebbw Vale had a pretty desperate season on and off the field last year.

At one stage they were staring relegation in the face, and earned a reprieve only when the WRU over-ruled the clubs to dictate that nine clubs be in the top flight.

Vale simply have to do better and they have gambled by getting rid of over half their squad and bringing in 18 new players.

But coach Mike Ruddock has had a full summer to work with the squad this year - and assistant Kevin Hopkins has gone full time.

Considering the tight ship the club runs and the economic climate it is a miracle Ebbw Vale stay where they are.

Many people predict their demise again, but that could well be premature.

Ruddock is a fine coach, well respected; and he could well get the Vale squad moving upwards.

The pressure is there, but it would be foolish to write Ebbw Vale off.

The teams to watch could well be Neath and Bridgend, who have made significant signings and are out to break into the top four.

Swansea and Cardiff are both injury-hit, though the debut of Iestyn Harris in union for Cardiff will be enormous.

So here we go again as another season of battles kicks off.