LEWIS Evans is looking forward to toasting Newport Gwent Dragons victories over the river from Rodney Parade after taking over The Lamb.

The flanker and his business partner, Richard Davenport, are now landlords of the famous Newport pub in Bridge Street, which was given a complete facelift in 2013 and was named as the city's best watering hole by the Campaign for Real Ale last year.

The pair were looking for office space for their Life Education company when alerted to the opportunity, and it was one that they grasped having both grown up in the Stow Hill area of the city.

"It's an exciting challenge for me and Rich," said Argus columnist Evans, who has played for the Dragons since 2006.

"When the chance came up we grasped it with both hands.

"We have taken over a Newport institution; The Lamb has been part of Newport for over 150 years and when I was a youngster I used to come here with my friends.

"It's taken me out of my comfort zone – I pulled my first pint a few weeks ago. But we are looking forward to putting plenty of hard work into this.

"We've had some great help and guidance from Jon Thomas from the Ruperra Arms, who has been in the industry for a long time.

"The Lamb is The Lamb, we won't be making huge changes but hopefully over time we will put our stamp on it and introduce little things, seeing how they work."

Evans, who also coaches Newport RFC, is in the middle of pre-season but when the season kicks off he hopes that the city's sporting fans will head to the venue pre and post-game.

"We hope to get some Newport Gwent Dragons players over after games for a few little Q&As and to meet the fans," he said.

"It would also be great if Newport County fans can celebrate a few wins here as well."