WIN IT FOR BRIAN IS MESSAGE FROM BEN

SUPER RYGBI CYMRU GRAND FINAL EBBW VALE V NEWPORT EUGENE CROSS PARK 2.30PM

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NEWPORT skipper Ben Roach has two big reasons to urge his side on to win the inaugural Super Rygbi Cymru title against Ebbw Vale at Eugene Cross Park today (kicks-off 2.30pm).

The first is to round off the world famous club's 150th anniversary season in style, making them the best club side in the Principality.

The second is to honour the memory of their late president, Brian Jones, who died last month at the age of 89.

Simply known as “BJ” throughout the world of rugby, Jones held every office at the club over the course of his incredible career - player, coach, secretary, chairman and finally president.

He won a Wales cap, played in the Newport team that beat the 1958 Wallabies, was in the Barbarians team that became the only side to beat Avril Malan’s Springboks in 1961 and helped coach the 1963 team that beat the All Blacks.

"Brian used to come to almost every training session and never missed a game. His was a huge presence around the club and the players and he was hugely loved and respected,” said Roach.

“As much as we want to win the tide to crown our 150th season, we also want to do it to pay tribute to Brian. He was ‘Mr Newport’ and his contribution to rugby was immense.