NEWPORT RFC hope that they can help talented youngsters secure a return to the professional ranks by shining in the upcoming Super Rygbi Cymru season.

The Black and Ambers begin their preparations for the inaugural SRC, which begins on September 14 with a home game against Bridgend, when they head to Usk this afternoon.

It will be a special occasion at Red Shed Meadow with both clubs celebrating their 150th anniversaries this season.

Newport then face Blackheath, Brecon and Dings Crusaders before starting the SRC against the Ravens, with the hope of going one better after being edged out by Llandovery in the Premiership final last season.

The Black and Ambers have had a busy summer of recruitment but a great deal of their business was securing permanent deals with players who have featured for them in the past.

Tighthead Nathan Evans and full-back David Richards have signed up after being released by the Dragons while exciting winger Iwan Pyrs Jones is now with the club after playing seven times on permit.

Another notable signing is former Dragons academy and Cardiff lock Joe Peard, who has signed up after most recently being with Ampthill in the English Championship.

Newport have provided a platform for a raft of talented youngsters to build towards the pro game – Ryan Woodman, Will Reed, Oli Andrew, Joe Westwood, Harri Ackerman, George Young, Brodie Coghlan of the current Dragons squad.

The hope is that those who have suffered disappointment can, if they still want to pursue a full-time career in rugby, bounce back by shining in the SRC.

RETURN: Nathan Evans has signed a permanent deal with NewportRETURN: Nathan Evans has signed a permanent deal with Newport (Image: Geraint Nicholas/Huw Evans Agency)

“It was a no-brainer to sign Nathan, he has been superb for us over the last two years so hopefully we can give him some good game time to push on to be a professional again,” said head coach Ty Morris.

“Dai Richards has been with us for years and I remember being amazed when I first saw him playing 10 for Crawshays – he was side-stepping, beating people for fun, showing incredible acceleration.

“He has been so unlucky with hamstring injuries but was getting over that at the end of last season. I understand why the Dragons released him but this is a chance for him to get a lot of game time and then you never know, halfway through the season they could look to take him back on.

“Players are one or two injuries away from having another chance and the whole point of the SRC is to shorten the transition to professional rugby and give opportunities. People like Joe Peard, it’s a great opportunity to get 22 games and then if he’s one of the best locks in the league they will be looking at him.”

Newport have also had backroom changes this summer after the departure of Sam Hobbs to become Dragons forwards coach.

He has been replaced by former Black and Ambers prop Ceri Jones, who has returned to the Dragons as academy head coach.

The Usk friendly will be extra special for the 47-year-old, who played against his brother Gareth when the clubs met in 1999 to mark the 125th anniversaries.

Former Dragons and Newport full-back Gareth Wyatt has returned as backs coach with James Dixon shifting to defence coach, while Stuart Lawrence is now team manager after Mark Workman became a club director.