NEWPORT Rugby Club says it will ban for life any supporter found to have assaulted an Aberavon player during last Friday's match at Rodney Parade.

Friday's trouble comes as a blow to Newport RFC after the club has carefully carved itself out a family image with regular events for children.

The club is investigating allegations that one or more fans punched an Aberavon player during a second-half fracas in the pre-season friendly.

And it is probing claims that the attacker may have been a woman.

Aberavon have made no complaint themselves and team manager Steven Jones said today no player had complained to him of being struck.

But he said he applauded Newport's investigation, saying "it was for the good of Welsh rugby".

Supporters have contacted the club suggesting such an incident took place and the club are to examine a video of the game.

The police are not involved at this time.

"If the video shows that a fan or fans did punch an Aberavon player, and we can identify the culprits, then the supporter or supporters will be banned for life," said club chief executive Keith Grainger (pictured).

"We do not want people of this kind being associated with the club. "We have worked hard in recent seasons to make this club a family club and anything that detracts from that we will deal with very strongly.

"I did not see the incident complained off, but it has been claimed one or two people did throw a punch and that beer was thrown at Aberavon players.

"We are currently looking into this and if we can prove that anything took place we will act accordingly.

"I did not see the incident, but some supporters have contacted the club to say it happened and to express their concern and naturally we are as concerned - even more so."

There were a number of niggling incidents in Friday's friendly, with a couple of bust-ups mainly involving Aberavon hooker Jason Hyatt and Newport prop Chris Anthony. The match boiled over early in the second half with four players involved in a punch-up on the ground in front of the main stand.

Another player, from Aberavon, than raced in and appeared to kick Newport scrum half Dale Burn as the players slipped into the crowd in the enclosure.

It is than that the alleged punching took place and the beer was thrown. After matters cooled down, Aberavon second row Mervyn Meredith was sent off on the advice of a touch judge for punching.

Newport also say they are happy their players were not to blame for the incidents during the game but that their players have been reminded of their responsibilities not to become involved.