LYN Jones may still be weighing up his XV to take on the Scarlets on Friday evening but the Friends of Newport Rugby Trust have already inked in a strong line-up for the annual Rodney Parade beer festival.

The fundraising event will take place on Friday and Saturday, coinciding with Newport Gwent Dragons' pre-season encounter (kick-off 7.15pm) and Newport County's League Two clash with Leyton Orient (kick-off 3pm).

Director of rugby Jones is likely to bring back a handful of seasoned players who sat out last Friday's 48-12 friendly success against Nottingham but is still considering whether to give a first appearance to new South African recruit Sarel Pretorius.

"We will see with Sarel, maybe against the Scarlets or maybe the week after," said Jones.

"He has just had a tough season with the Cheetahs and there's plenty of time for him. Perhaps he doesn't need to play just yet."

Meanwhile, FoNR have secured 27 ale and ciders for their fifth beer festival on the training pitch at Rodney Parade.

The Trust were invited to make a special brew by Pontyclun's Hopcraft brewery – Pixie on Parade – while the city's Tiny Rebel brewery will be providing three ale's, including their award-winning Cwtch.

Entry to the festival is free and open to those not attending the matches while there will be live music in the marquee after both games.

The event has previously been held on weekends that feature Dragons and Black and Ambers rugby fixtures but the hope is that an Exiles fixture should boost the coffers.

FoNR, who have raised more than £250,000 since starting 10 years ago, give financial support to rugby improvements at Rodney Parade and community initiatives, including the academy at Newport High School and sponsoring age-grade and youth teams in the city.