NEWPORT head coach Ian Hembrow is looking to send out a message of intent when they tackle London Welsh at Rodney Parade tomorrow (kick-off 2.30pm).

The pre-season friendly should certainly be a tough test for Hembrow's side, London Welsh hosted Premier Division champions Neath last Saturday and triumphed 29-24 courtesy of a last-gasp try.

The English National One side will be doubling up on Saturday, the first team squad appearing at Rodney Parade while the remainder tackle Glamorgan Wanderers at Esher.

The clash is certainly a step up for the Black and Ambers from last weekend's conditioning game victory over Newport HSOB and Hembrow is keen to get on a winning run.

He said: "It's a historic fixture and one from which we will definitely be looking to get a positive result that would send out a signal to the rest of the Premier Division.

"It's going to test us a lot more organisationally than last weekend, which was more a case of getting used to the bumps, and it's a chance to build up confidence and work aspects of our game.

"I'm looking for them to continue to gel as a side and it gives us a chance to throw some of the academy boys in like Jamie Corsi and Jason Tovey to see if they can produce for us."

A decision has still not been made on who will be captaining Newport this season. Prop Dai Patterson led the side in the meeting with Newport HSOB but has not been named permanent skipper.

"The friendlies give us a good chance to see what potential leaders are like in match situations," said Hembrow. "We can look at how they react and it will give us a better idea as who to appoint."

Ex-Newport players Alex Cadwallader (wing) and Gareth Mason (prop) have been named in the visitors' squad along with former Dragon Gerald Arasa.

Newport team: Jason Tovey, Nathan Williams, Movete Oto'ota, Scott Williams, Ryan Howells, Dan Robinson, Matthew Thomas, Dai Pattison (c), Rhys James, Jamie Corsi, Mark Workman, Adam Frampton, Richard Fields, Paul Williams, Richard Dale. Replacements - Tim Foister, Ben Kipling, Phil Osborne, Andrew Coupe, Craig Hill, Andrew Coombs, Gareth Crothers, James Dixon, Luke Hathaway.

l Cross Keys travel to Chinnor for a pre-season friendly on Saturday (kick-off 2.30pm), Ebbw Vale take on Bristol at Clifton RFC on Monday.