GWENT have been given some good news for a change ahead of next season's regional fixtures - Newport flanker Jason Forster (pictured) will be free to play from the start.

The Wales A back row man was banned for 12 games for a stamping offence in the Welsh Premier League game against Bridgend on April 12.

He had originally been suspended for two matches by Newport after an internal inquiry, but Bridgend were not happy with that and cited the player who was then dealt with by the Welsh Rugby Union disciplinary committee.

Newport immediately decided to appeal and now, after a review of the case, the WRU have cut the ban in half to six games.

As Forster has already missed six matches since his sending off, it means he is free to begin the new campaign in the Gwent set-up in both the Heineken Cup and Celtic League.

"It's excellent news that he will be able to play his part in Europe with the new Gwent regional set-up from the start, "said Newport team manager Jim McCreedy.

Gwent coach Mike Ruddock said: "Jason is going to be a senior member of the side and to lose someone of his ability would have been a big blow.

"He is an excellent, whole-hearted performer and hopefully he will have learned that he must also be disciplined."

Newport have asked for a personal hearing for lock Mike Voyle, one of two Newport players sent off in the match against Swansea on May 13.

Voyle was sent packing for alleged stamping while Percy Montgomery was dismissed for pushing over a touch-judge.

"We have decided on this course after studying a video recording of the incident," said McCreedy. Voyle is quitting rugby and returning to New Zealand and McCreedy added, "Nobody wants to finish his career on a suspension."