NEWPORT rugby club are bracing themselves for the loss of one and possibly two of their top internationals for the start of the new season.

Biggest concern is extremely popular and dynamic international scrum half Ofisa Tonu'u, who broke down during his first training session this week.

But the club are also worried about Wales lock Ian Gough, who has a back niggle. Both are due to go for scans with Tonu'u particularly concerned about his problem.

"He's not happy at all with his knee," said Newport coach Leigh Jones. "I've really taken to him, he's a really humble guy and we are keeping our fingers crossed.

"Ian Gough (who returned from holiday this week) has a back niggle and we'll know more when we get the results of the scans."

Tonu'u missed the final five games of last season after suffering knee ligament damage in the crucial 36-20 home defeat by Swansea on April 17.

After an operation and rest, it was hoped he would be fine by now but is still a serious doubt for the start of the Celtic League campaign against Bridgend at Rodney Parade on August 30 (7.05pm).

Jones was more optimistic and said: "If the worst does happen we have two really promising youngsters in Llyr Lane and under-21 captain Matthew Thomas."

The good news, though, is that South African prop Adrian Garvey and lock Mike Voyle are back in training.

Voyle will not be returning home and missing matches during this season because of the what the club describe as "a very intensive season."

The clash against Bridgend has been moved forward a day due to TV requirements. For the same reason, their game at Pontypridd on Saturday, September 7, will kick-off at 8pm and their home game with Cardiff on September 28 will start at 5.30pm.