Newport RFC to celebrate 150 years at Celtic Manor gala dinner

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THERE will be plenty of Newport RFC legends at the Celtic Manor on Saturday evening to toast the club’s 150th anniversary season and Brian Jones will be one of them, even if he disagrees with being given such an accolade.

The Black and Ambers, established in 1874, will celebrate another milestone with a gala dinner for more than 700 people.

Former favourites and some titans of the game will be remembered by ex-players and supporters, with 88-year-old ‘BJ’ no doubt holding court.

The Black and Ambers have been in existence for 150 years and Jones, club debut 1953, has been a part of the club for almost half of that time – the tag of ‘Mr Newport’ is justified.

“I started as an 18-year-old schoolboy as a player and I am now the president,” said Jones, an engaging storyteller who could give Ken Dodd a run for his money.

“Over 71 years I have been player, captain, coach, chairman, committee member, selector, press officer, hospital broadcast commentator…

“All of those roles have led to be being friends with some great names of Welsh rugby – and great names of world rugby.”

The Argus after Newport's famous win over New Zealand (Image: PETER DASH)

Jones made 330 appearances for Newport and was a member of the sides that beat Australia in 1957 and New Zealand in 1963.

That famous Rodney Parade triumph over an All Blacks side that won 34 and drew one of their other 35 games on tour completed a personal southern hemisphere hat-trick for the centre, who beat South Africa with the Barbarians in 1960.

It all started for Jones, who played for Wales against Ireland and France in 1960, against Harlequins in December, 1953.

“I can still remember it vividly,” he said. “I had played for the United against Llanharan on October 10 – my 18th birthday.

“Soon, due to injuries in the first team, I made my debut. Ken Jones was captain but on that Saturday he was scoring for Wales to beat the All Blacks. Six games later I was playing against them for Newport.”

Jones lost on that occasion but went on to be a member of the side that turned over Wilson Whineray’s New Zealand.

That success is celebrated every year on October 30 yet the former centre, somewhat surprisingly, is quick to point to a different effort against a touring side.

“As difficult as it is to say, the Newport versus Springboks game in 1961 was better performance-wise than the All Blacks game,” said Jones.

“The performance was incredible, especially by the pack, even if it was a defeat. Yours truly missed three kicks at goal, so I will take the blame!”

Another frustrating occasion played a part in making a memorable win in the modern-era extra special for Jones.

“The 26th of March, 2022, that day will live forever in my mind and will always be one of the rugby highlights,” he said.

“I was president and was sat in the stand at Sardis Road to see Newport beat Cardiff in the semi-finals of the cup and achieve four victories over them in a season.

“In the build-up to the game Ty Morris, his coaching team and the players said ‘we’re going to win it for BJ’. That meant a hell of a lot to me.

“At the end of the game when I went into the dressing room it was unbelievable. My wife said it was totally different to 1969!

“I was coach of Newport then and we had a hell of a good side but after beating Cardiff three times we drew at the Arms Park, when Gareth Edwards scored all of their points.

“I was in such a state that I got into my brand new company car and smashed up the fascia – I have suffered disappointments as a player but nothing like that.”

SUPERSTAR: Former Newport fly-half David Watkins, who died last year (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

Morris’ squad provided Jones with a highlight two years ago and he remains their go-to man for stories of the past, of greats such as Dai Watkins, Ken Jones, Roy Burnett, Bryn Meredith, Brian Price.

“Newport had the first superstar of the game in Arthur Gould and the club will have had legends in each of the generations since,” he said.

“Their enjoyment will have come from playing for the club and their teammates – I know that I just loved being selected for the first team alongside such quality players.

“As far as I am concerned, I want the 150th season to be celebrated in a manner to remind everybody of the debt they owe Newport in one form or another.”

ICONIC: Springboks great Gary Teichman had a successful spell with Newport (Image: Newsquest)

‘BJ’ has his wife Jacqueline, daughter Lisa and granddaughter Caitlin, but will be spending Saturday night with other ‘family’.

“I would like to think that Newport Rugby Club is a family, whether a player, administrator, member or supporter,” said Jones, who will no doubt shed a tear remembering former teammates who have passed away.

“I consider everyone to be the Black and Amber family, and I’ve felt that since day one when I was playing.

“The number of former players who will either be there or have been in touch about celebrating the night just shows what Newport Rugby Club is all about.”

Jones loves reeling off iconic names who have worn black and amber yet his response is swift when asked if he is a legend: “No bloody way!”

Plenty will tell him differently when the famous club toasts their big 150 this weekend.