Newport to be fearless in Premiership final at Llandovery

The Black and Ambers head to Church Bank (kick-off 2.40pm) with the aim of claiming a 16th straight win that would lead to captain Ben Roach lifting silverware.

Newport are fresh from a 48-13 hammering of Ebbw Vale in the semi-finals but know they will need to be at their best against a Drovers side who have lost just twice this season.

Head coach Ty Morris has urged his team to forget the big stage and just keep doing what has got them within 80 minutes of glory.

BOSS: Newport head coach Ty Morris (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“The message has been to be positive,” said Morris. “One thing that we haven’t done this year is fear anyone in the league, and Llandovery probably fear us more than we do them.

“It’s fitting to have first playing second in the final – both teams have been firing on all cylinders.

“It’s going to come down to the one percenters and hopefully it will be something special that wins the game rather than errors.

“We know that it’s going to be tight because both teams are playing really well, so I am excited to see what the outcome will be.”

Morris stepped up from forwards coach in 2019 and led Newport to Premiership Cup glory at Principality Stadium in 2022, then suffered a last-gasp loss in defence of the trophy the following year.

Newport were pipped to the title in the Covid-shortened 2021/22 campaign and were semi-finalists last season.

Ty Morris addresses the Newport players after their semi-final win against Ebbw Vale (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“I mentioned to the players earlier this week that this isn’t just down to this season, it’s the hard work that they have put in over four or five years to get into this position,” said Morris.

“We have been there or thereabouts and one or two losses have bitten us in the backside in recent seasons.

“It’s been a long time coming but after winning the cup it would mean a lot to win the league.”

Newport make the trip to Llandovery after winning 15 straight games, a streak that goes back to their November 25 defeat at Church Bank.

They avenged that loss with a 24-6 triumph against the Drovers at Spytty Park and Morris believes his side have steadily grown thank to not resting on their laurels.

“No matter who we come up against we really focus on ourselves and every week you just look for the work-ons and small details where we can improve,” he said.

“Fair play to the boys, every time that coaches bring something up in analysis they have delivered on the Saturday. They have been executing really well.

“It’s easier when winning to be able to criticise the players to get something extra out of them.”