NEWPORT play the Welsh Guards on Wednesday night (kick-off 7.15pm) in a special centenary match to celebrate the regiment’s 100th anniversary and remember a First World War hero who was a star player for the club.

They host the 13-times British Army champions, who last won their crown in 2013, at Rodney Parade.

Former Welsh Guards Major Julian Peel Yates OBE, grandson of Stanley Horatio Williams, a former Newport RFC, England and British and Irish Lions full-back, and Black and Ambers club historian and committee member Mike Dams, have been the driving force behind the match.

Major Yates first got in touch to donate some of his famous grandfather’s memorabilia to the club two years ago.

Mr Williams served as a captain in the Royal Field Artillery during the First World War and fought in the ferocious battles of the Somme and Ypres.

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his bravery and was invalided home after being gassed twice.

With the Welsh Guards celebrating their 100th anniversary this year, the club felt that it would be appropriate to hold a match to commemorate both Mr Williams and the Welsh Guards.

The player made 143 appearances for Newport between 1904-1911. Rogerstone-born, he had a Welsh trial in 1909, but never played for his native country.

A Black and Ambers vice-captain in 1909/10, he played in three Test matches for the Lions team in South Africa in 1910 while still uncapped.

Eligible for England, he made his debut for them the following year, with the first of his four caps coming in a defeat to Wales at St Helens.

Newport have enjoyed an encouraging start to their season and edged their Gwent derby on the weekend, beating Bedwas 24-22 in a thriller at Rodney Parade.

They are likely to rotate their squad for this midweek game with Aberavon, unbeaten so far in the Principality Premiership, looming away on Saturday.

Tickets for Wednesday night’s game are £5, £1 for children and free for Newport and Newport Gwent Dragons season ticket holders.

The Welsh Guards are set to receive the freedom of the city on Thursday.