JUST nine years ago Taulupe Faletau wore the Cross Keys eight jersey while it was at Pandy Park that Lloyd Burns caught the eye in a remarkable rise which later saw him help Wales to the semi-finals of the 2011 World Cup.

Similarly, when tighthead Leon Brown earned his first cap against Australia in 2018 there was great pride at the club at the part they played in his development from Dragons academy prospect to Test player.

And last summer there was excitement at the signing of local boy Jason Tovey after his release by Edinburgh. The fly-half's form earned a return to the Rodney Parade region for a third spell and last month he passed 1,000 points for the Dragons.

But relegation-threatened Keys – established in founded 1885 - have now been forced to plead for donations to raise £20,000 so that they can complete the Principality Premiership season.

The club have a proud history and count Lions Bobby Windsor, 'Charlie' Faulkner and Russell Taylor among their alumni while a raft of talents – Brian Price, BJ Jones, Dick Uzzell, Del Haines to name but a few – played for them before going on to become Newport RFC legends.

South Wales Argus:

Shortly before the introduction of regional rugby they welcomed Newcastle, boasting Inga Tuigamala, Gary Armstrong and Doddie Weir in their XV, to Pandy Park in the European Shield in 2001. After being drubbed 99-8 in the North East they kept things respectable in a 25-11 loss.

In the Premiership era they turned from perennial strugglers to contenders towards the top end of the table finishing fourth in 2016, third in 2015 and 2014, fifth in 2013 and sixth in 2012 and 2011.

South Wales Argus:

It was clear that Faletau was destined for greatness when he appeared for the club 11 times in 2009/10 – it didn't take the Dragons long to realise he was already good enough for the seniors.

It took Burns longer to make an impact after joining the club from Pontypool as a back row forward in 2007.

South Wales Argus:

He was converted to hooker and his no-nonsense approach eventually got a chance with the Dragons, where he went on to catch Warren Gatland's eye and win seven caps before being forced to retire because of a heart issue.

Under Greg Woods, Keys became a formidable knockout team and were the only Welsh team to make the final of the British & Irish Cup when they were beaten by Munster A.

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That clash in Cork in 2012 was swiftly followed by their most famous moment – winning the WRU National Cup at Principality Stadium.

Livewire hooker Gerwyn Price, now a darts star on the PDC, scored a try as Keys won the first piece of silverware in their history and celebrated with Wales star Gareth Bale, who was there to cheer on his friend Phil Williams.

South Wales Argus:

From those highs the club are now in survival mode.

Following the lead of Pontypridd, who appealed for donations because of a funding shortfall in January, Keys have asked for contributions to help them raise £20,000 so that they can finish the season.

It will take a miracle for them to avoid relegation from the Premiership, which is being revamped from 16 teams to 12 next season.

Keys are preparing for life in the Championship but have five games left before then with a game at Llandovery on Saturday and home encounters with RGC and Pontypridd and trips to Newport and Bridgend to come.

South Wales Argus:

The appeal has been made so that the next generations call follow in the footsteps of Faletau, Burns and Brown.

"We've got debts to pay but nothing major," said secretary Ang Prangell. "We are not in as bad a position as some clubs but the reality is that we do need funding.

"If we stuck our heads in the sand then it wouldn't get us anywhere. It's not all doom and gloom but if we didn't ask for some help then people wouldn't know that we need it.

"We have had to be brave and ask for donations because it's all about ensuring that rugby continues to be played at Pandy Park whatever the level.

"We are not a club with big businesses to ask for support and we do need money, so this is just about doing whatever we can.

"We will finish the season but whether we can fulfil paying wages is another question, we are striving to do that but have to be honest with the players."

Donations to Keys can be made at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/cross-keys-rfc