NEWPORT will prepare for the start of the Premiership season by taking on an Ampthill side coached by Black and Ambers hall of famer Paul Turner.

The Premiership Cup winners have arranged a trio of friendlies in August.

They lock horns with Bedwas on Saturday, August 6 (venue to be confirmed) before heading to Bristol the following weekend to face Dings Crusaders.

Ty Morris' men will then face a huge test against English Championship side Ampthill on Saturday, August 20 (kick-off 3pm).

Their rise up the leagues has been spearheaded by former Dragons boss Turner, who was inducted into the Newport hall of fame in 2017.

The fly-half joined the Black and Ambers from Newbridge in 1985 and scored a then record 1,145 points in 133 games.

Turner is second in the club's points charts behind Dan Griffiths, although current captain Matt O'Brien could climb above him in 2022/23 after moving onto four figures last season.

Newport will be aiming to go one better in the Premiership after being pipped to the title by Cardiff and kick off with a Gwent derby against Ebbw Vale on Saturday, September 3.