DIVISION One East became a reality for Hartridge when the fixture computer gave them an opening weekend trip to champions Brynmawr but, with plans for a clubhouse gathering pace, the ambitious club from Ringland are continuing to aim high.

Not long ago, the Newport club was picking the team in the car park of the Open Hearth pub, ringing around for players to make up the XV.

Now they are preparing to mix it in One East with the likes of Brynmawr, Risca, Nelson, Blaenavon, Cwmbran and Caerleon thanks to five promotions on the spin.

The club, which was formed in 2005, has been on the up since they won Division Three East D in 2013/14. It was C the following year, then B in 2016, A in 2017 and Two East last season.

Hartridge have gone from being nomads playing around the area to developing their home at Llanwern High School.

They have a 20-year lease, impressive pitches and got Welsh Rugby Union funding to convert store rooms at the school into changing rooms and a gym.

Next on the to-do list, along with thriving in One East on the pitch, is a clubhouse and discussions have taken place with the council about land next to the High School roundabout with the WRU also on board.

"For us to have our own clubhouse would mean that we would start generating our own money," said secretary Bill Berry.

"We are a community-based club and we are applying for community funding. It would be a hub and we want it to be a focal point.

"It would be the last piece of the jigsaw and we would love to get the club built and go from there."

South Wales Argus:

Hartridge run first and second teams, under-12 and under-13s plus a women's team and do most of their work without WRU backing, as they do not meet all of the governing body's criteria.

They have an annual turnover of around £30,000 but have to pay to use the school's facilities and officials work tirelessly for sponsorship.

"The community support us every Saturday, it's £3 entrance fee and the gate money keeps us running. We keep our head above water," said Berry, who grew up on Ringland Circle.

The reward has been the silverware with Hartridge managing to not just cope with the annual step-up in quality, but thrive with it.

South Wales Argus:

"Every year we are working and working. As the success has come, we have got bigger and bigger," said Berry.

"The players are from the area, apart from a handful of Bettws boys, and they have stuck together. We've only had a few come and go throughout the years and that's the difference."

Hartridge return for pre-season training on Tuesday with new coaches at the helm.

Newport RFC and Dragons icon Jason Forster has joined the club along with backs coach Dai Fussell.

Uncompromising former Wales flanker Forster will be working with an uncompromising set of players from a tough area but knows he has talent in the squad.

"To win the league and go up as champions five seasons on the bounce is massive credit to the players and the coaches Mark Wheeler and Steve Pritchard," said Forster, whose son used to play for the club.

"It's getting the stigma away from Hartridge, you don't win titles without being able to play rugby.

"It's now a big jump up to Division One but we are not just making the numbers up. These boys are winners and I am sure they want to show what they can do.

"They are representing their area and are proud of where they come from. All credit to them because they have got pride and passion in abundance, and have no fear."

Hartridge have set up a friendly with Newport on Saturday, August 4, the following week take on Newport High School Old Boys and then they finish against Rhiwbina on Saturday, August 18.

Old and new players are welcome at training from 6.30pm on Tuesday while under-13s and 14s of all abilities can join the club on Wednesdays at 6pm. The women train on Tuesdays.

For more information ring 07920 116197.