NEWPORT v CARMARTHEN QUINS

NEWPORT have strengthened their pack for next season by bringing home a pair of Exiles.

The Black and Ambers have secured the return of lock Adam Brown from London Welsh along with his Kassam Stadium teammate and back row forward Lee Beach.

Brown, 25, came through the Dragons Academy and made 46 appearances for Newport as well as turning out for Bedwas.

He headed to the Exiles after being released by the region and won the players’ player of the year award after being instrumental in Welsh’s promotion to the Premiership.

Beach, 30, played for Pontypridd and Neath before heading over the border and was named Premiership player of the year n 2008.

He was a member of the Ospreys side that beat Australia A in November 2006 and captained Wales to glory in the Sevens World Cup in Dubai in 2009.

Newport head coach Sven Cronk is delighted to have secured the return of the seasoned duo to Wales.

“They are two big signings for us and they will both give a real hard edge to our pack,” he said.

“We know all about Adam’s qualities and there is no question that he has grown in stature since heading to London Welsh.

“He is excellent in the lineout and has a real physical presence so we jumped at the chance to bring him back.

“Lee is a hard player who doesn’t mind putting his head where it hurts. He has a tremendous work rate and doesn’t hold anybody in awe.

“They are two experienced players and we are delighted to have signed them up.”

The Black and Ambers play their last game of the season at Rodney Parade when they host Carmarthen Quins tomorrow.

It has been a mixed bag of a campaign but there have been some home highs among the lows, notably being the only side to lower Pontypridd’s colours and last week’s 18-13 Gwent derby success against Cross Keys.

“We want to finish on a high and went some way towards doing that last week,” said Cronk.

“It’s vital that we carry on where we left off and give the fans something to shout about.

“The manner of the win against Keys was pleasing, we had good physicality, intent to play and were finally putting runners into space.

“I’m not saying it was an outstanding performance but it was an excellent and very pleasing win.

“I think Quins will be a similar challenge tomorrow, they have a decent pack and a strong running 12 so it is up to us to get up quickly and stop them getting over the gain line.”

Newport will reward the players that got the job done against Keys, although they are without Newport Gwent Dragons centre Andy Tuilagi. The Samoan powerhouse is not available because the region, who are next in action at Ulster next Friday, are carrying a few knocks in midfield.