NEWPORT tighthead prop Gethin Robinson is hoping he and his club can start the new season like they ended their last one.

The Black and Ambers stunned professional side Connacht Eagles in Athlone 27-25 after trailing by 19 points at half-time.

That British and Irish Cup pool match brought the curtain down on a disappointing season after a poor show in the Premiership and an early Swalec Cup exit.

But the 30-year-old, captain last campaign, is confident it’s a case of onwards and upwards for Newport who this season celebrate the 50th anniversary of their famous win over New Zealand.

“Personally, I’m really looking forward to it,” said Robinson, who missed much of the last campaign with injuries, including a torn bicep.

“I had a tough last season but things started going well at the end. Hopefully I can pick up where I left off and start the season with a bang.

“I think that goes for the whole team as well. A lot of games, we would put in a good performance but then we would let ourselves down when we didn’t need to.

“So that’s the thing we need to do in the coming season – start putting in consistently good performances.”

Newport take much from the fact they were the only side to lower the colours of Pontypridd who completed an historic league and cup double.

“We were the only team to beat Pontypridd and pushed them all the way at Sardis Road,” he said.

“I expect Newport to be in the top three challenging for the Premiership. That’s the way I feel about us as a club.”

Robinson is delighted with the return of ex-Black and Ambers lock Adam Brown from London Welsh along with his former Kassam Stadium teammate and back row forward Lee Beach.

“Adam is a quality player, quite an abrasive guy and really enjoys himself when he gets stuck in,” he said.

“He was with us before so I know him quite well and I think he’s going to be a real good addition to the pack.

“I first played together with Lee for Wales Schools Under-15s and he’s a quality player so it’s great to have him on the team.”

Robinson is also glad hooker Andrew Brown has decided against retiring after calling it a day at the end of last season.

“He’s playing some of the best rugby I’ve ever seen him and he’s certainly in the best shape I’ve ever seen him – it’s great to have him back,” Robinson said.