NEWPORT will be boosted by the presence of South African lock Rynard Landman when they attempt to get their Principality Premiership campaign off to a flying start at Carmarthen Quins.

The 32-year-old Dragons forward will make his Black and Ambers debut out west tomorrow, following in the footsteps of his compatriots Gary Teichmann, Percy Montgomery, Franco Smith, Adrian Garvey and Tonderai Chavhanga.

Landman played for the club in their pre-season win against Swansea in Risca last week and will get more game time while Cory Hill, Brandon Nansen and Matthew Screech feature in the Guinness PRO14.

He will help a Newport side that finished ninth last season, although that doesn't tell the story of a fine campaign that saw head coach Craig Warlow voted as coach of the year by his peers.

The Rodney Parade side were WRU National Cup finalists and it was that date with Merthyr, who proved far too strong at Principality Stadium, that led to their league form tailing off.

"The cup final didn't go to plan and perhaps we sacrificed a few games to get there and then in the build-up to it," said captain and flanker Rhys Jenkins.

"Fingers crossed we can have another good season and we are confident that we can get in that top half and avoid a relegation scrap.

"I think that a fast start is vital and if you are sitting in that top eight then maybe you will be in a position to push on and look upwards.

"Carmarthen away is a hard one first up but pre-season has gone well. We've signed quite a few players and a number have left but the squad has settled well and the feeling is good in the camp."

Televised Friday night games are a new addition to the Premiership schedule while the need to co-ordinate fixtures with Newport County and the Dragons means that the Black and Ambers squad will also have plenty of Sunday rugby.

"It's not until October 20 that we have a Saturday home game but we've had all the fixtures in advance, so there are no excuses and we get on with it," said Jenkins.