CROSS Keys skipper Rob Nash is hoping to make it a double celebration by securing British and Irish Cup qualification with victory against Newport tomorrow.
Pandy Park is a buoyant place after Lloyd Burns was called up by Wales just a year after he was captain of Keys.
That put the kibosh on head coach Greg Woods’ request to have the hooker, who is still registered with the club despite playing 26 times for Newport Gwent Dragons this season, for their game against the Black and Ambers.
But Burns will be watching his former teammates in action before he heads off to Leeds on his stag weekend.
The hooker is set to get married the day before Wales’ Millennium Stadium date with the Barbarians and Nash is his best man.
“It was great that Burner made it with the Dragons this season, let alone get called up by Wales,” said the openside flanker.
“I was stunned and excited by the news so it must have been amazing for him. It is a huge inspiration for the rest of us and has really created a buzz around the club.
“It’s great news but it does mean that I have got a few problems for his stag do. I don’t know how much he will be drinking now and I don’t think I can risk dressing him up.
“I’d bought 6in stilettos for him to wear but I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if he turned an ankle and couldn’t join up with Wales!
“But it would be perfect if we could beat Newport and make it a double celebration this weekend.”
That, however, is something that Keys have not managed to achieve this season.
They got thumped at Rodney Parade and then were forced to settle for a 23-23 draw at Pandy Park.
“It is going to be tough because Newport are always strong whatever side they have out,” said Nash.
“We have just got to rock up and give it our all because you need 100 per cent effort against teams like Newport.
“We have got to be switched on and need to play to our strengths, to be dogged and physical, to take it to them up front.”
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