NEWPORT will play Carmarthen Quins in the Swalec Cup on Saturday instead of hosting Gwent rivals Ebbw Vale in the Foster’s Challenge Cup.

The Black and Ambers’ round one tie with the Quins at Rodney Parade was postponed last Sunday because of a waterlogged pitch.

They will now play the fixture on Saturday (kick-off 2.30pm) after the Steelmen agreed to shift the derby in the development competition to Tuesday, February 2.

“Ebbw Vale deserve a pat on the back because they agreed to our request quickly and we are very grateful to them,” said Newport secretary Dennis Bennett.

The Black and Ambers, who haven’t played since December 5, have also rearranged their Challenge Cup fixture with Cross Keys at Pandy Park to Tuesday January, 26. They still have to fit the home games against Keys and Bedwas into the hectic Rodney Parade schedule.

Pontypool and Bedwas will also be in Swalec Cup action on Saturday after their derby clash fell victim to a pre-match downpour.

Pooler had been meant to host SSE Swalec Championship leaders Merthyr while Bedwas had a free weekend because Newport Gwent Dragons Premiership Select travel to Jersey in the British and Irish Cup.

It will be a hectic few days for Steve Law’s side as they travel to Cross Keys tomorrow evening in the Gwent group of the Challenge Cup.

They currently lead the way with 11 points from three games while Ebbw Vale are in second (7 from 4), Keys are third (5 from 2) and Newport failed to bag a point from their trip to Eugene Cross Park, their only game to beat the weather.

Ebbw Vale, meanwhile, will play their fixture with Cardiff at the Arms Park on Friday, February 12 (kick-off 7.30pm) to avoid a clash with the Wales versus Scotland Six Nations game the following afternoon.