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From Current & Former Players 'Rugby Football Union declared itself a professional sport in 1995. As far as I am concerned I was involved with a professional side the first day I played for Newport way back in 1959.''No, I never received any payment for playing with the club but everything else about the set up was run strictly as any professional club or region is today. The way you were treated at all times, whether it was training or match days, made you feel privileged, which in turn made you feel proud to be part of such a club.' The very high standards set by such committeemen as Mr Bill Everson, Mr Vince Griffiths, Nick Carter and many others had a profound effect on me. I am sure that it helped me to dedicate myself to becoming a better player and was a major influence in allowing me to achieve the success I had in the game.' 'During my playing career with the club the support given to us by the fans of Newport was fantastic. It is difficult to describe what a comfort it was when you played the likes of Neath or Llanelli away to find that there was a large contingent of 'Black & Amber' amongst the black or red of those West Walian sides'. 'I am sure the present day players also feel the same way. Having been to places such as Dublin and Toulouse in my broadcasting role to cover Newport games, you were there in large numbers and that without a doubt is encouraging for the players.' Now that there is a regional set up playing out of Rodney Parade, I am sure that you will continue to support and give encouragement to those players, plus of course, the team still carrying the name of.............. NEWPORT RFC.' Brian Price (262 games, 15 tries) |