A TRIBUTE game will be played at Rodney Parade for grassroots stalwarts Herbie Jones and Tom Mulcahy this evening (kick-off 7.15pm).

The Black and Ambers will take on a Newport and District XV to pay tribute to the retiring pair, who have both given 50 years’ service to Newport and District Rugby Union and the Welsh Districts.

Newport will use the game to prepare for their Principality Premiership run-in as they eye a place in the Tier Two play-offs.

They are not in action this weekend but return to league rugby a week on Saturday against Swansea, the first of three remaining regular season games at Rodney Parade.

Craig Warlow’s side have won all three fixtures since the January split and, along with Gwent foes Cross Keys, are looking good to extend their season beyond the first weekend of May.

The management team hand returns to Wales Under-20s internationals Arwel Robson and Chris Coleman at fly-half and tighthead prop respectively after their Six Nations exploits.

Two players feature on permit from Croesyceiliog with Ryan Bates starting at scrum-half and Haydn Simmons covering the backs from the bench.

Admission to tonight’s game is free to season ticket holders or costs £5 for adults and £3 for concessions. Only the Bisley Stand will be open for spectators.

Newport: G O’Driscoll, L Ap Myrddin, W Cunliffe, H Palmer, J Morris, A Robson, R Bates, K Bale, E Whison, C Coleman, M Billings, D Partridge, D Mock, N Hudd, R Jones. Replacements: W Evans, M Prosser, G Harris, A Brown, K Tayler, R James, H Simmons.

l Scrum-half Chris Thomas has left Ebbw Vale for a spell playing club rugby in New Zealand.

The Steelmen hope that the half-back from Penallta, who passed the 100 appearances milestone this term, will return to the club next season.

On Tuesday it was announced that his half-back partner Josh Lewis has signed a contract with Aviva Premiership big guns Bath for 2017/18.