NEWPORT will mark the day that they toppled the All Blacks with a special commemorative jersey next season.
On October 30 the Black and Ambers celebrate the 50th anniversary of their victory against New Zealand at Rodney Parade.
And next season’s jersey – a return to broad black and amber hoops – features ‘50’ on the collar and the date, score and venue on the back.
Newport have beaten South Africa and Australia but that day in 1963 was perhaps their finest.
They beat one of the greatest ever New Zealand sides, condemning the All Blacks to the only defeat of their 36-game tour of Europe.
The tourists were captained by Wilson Whineray and boasted Colin ‘Pinetree’ Meads, Don Clarke and Brian Lochore in their ranks.
But Newport, led by Brian Price, stood firm and took the spoils thanks to Dick Uzzell’s drop goal.
Every time the current crop pull on their jersey in the coming season they will be reminded of that famous win and the efforts of their predecessors.
“As a squad we have spoken about the importance of that day,” said head coach Sven Cronk.
“When you pull that jersey on you are playing for the club and its history.
“We have to put the effort in to do that jersey and that badge proud.”
The club are also holding an anniversary dinner at Rodney Parade on Wednesday, October 30.
They plan to show footage of the game and will unveil a special plaque in the Bisley Suite.
“We hope to have the 13 surviving members of the Newport team that play plus representatives of Glyn Davidge and Graham Bevan,” said chairman Will Godfrey.
“Ian MacRae, president of the New Zealand RFU, who played in the match is also coming over.
“In fact, I’m told that he’s still trying to work out how they lost!”
Contact the Rodney Parade ticket office for more details about the anniversary dinner.
Tables of 10 cost £500, although the club will also sell individual places.
HOW THEY LINED UP ON OCTOBER 30, 1963… NEWPORT: R Cheney; S Watkins, J Uzzell, BJ Jones, D Perrott; D Watkins, WR Prosser; N Johnson, G Bevan, D Jones, B Price, I Ford, KW Poole, G Davidge, A Thomas.
New Zealand: DB Clarke; WL Davis, IR MacRae, PT Walsh, RW Caulton; EW Kirton, KC Briscoe; WJ Whineray, J Major, IJ Clarke, RH Horsley, CE Meads, WJ Nathan, BJ Lochore, KR Tremain.
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