NEWPORT RFC have been forced to forfeit home advantage for their WRU National Cup encounter with RGC 1404 and head to the ground of their fiercest rivals because of a Rodney Parade fixture clash.
The Black and Ambers, runners-up to Merthyr in last season’s tournament, face a tough round one fixture against the north Walians, who lifted the trophy in 2017, on Saturday, January 5.
However, Newport County entertain Leicester City in the FA Cup the following day in front of the BBC cameras, providing a logistical clash.
The WRU insist that the cup encounter must be played on the Saturday so the Black and Ambers will instead be the ‘hosts’ at Cardiff Arms Park (kick-off 6.30pm).
“We are very grateful to our friends at Cardiff RFC and the Blues for quickly agreeing to and arranging this fixture and look forward to seeing all of you in the familiar surroundings of Cardiff Arms Park,” read a club statement.
Newport enjoyed a stunning run to the final last season in which they beat Swansea, Aberavon, Bedwas and Llandovery before they found Merthyr too strong at Principality Stadium.
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