NEWPORT have signed a centre from Swalec Championship side RGC 1404 to help alleviate their midfield crisis.

Llywarch Ap Myrddin, 23, could make his debut for the Black and Ambers against Bridgend this Saturday after joining from the North Wales outfit.

Dan Robinson (back) will be out until March while Jamie Murphy is banned for a further two months after he was sent off for swearing at the referee during Newport’s 35-6 defeat to Llandovery before Christmas.

The good news for the Rodney Parade club is that fellow centres Dom Franchi and Nathan Edwards could be back from injury for the visit of Bridgend.

Newport head coach Sven Cronk said he was delighted Ap Myrddin, who can also play at full back, has penned the deal: “Llywarch will be a great addition to our squad as he offers real pace and good distribution and kicking abilities.

“He is a very grounded young man who has fitted in really well. He is comfortable at 13 or 15 which is where we are short due to our huge injury list.”

The Black and Ambers have suffered yet more injury woes in the past few days with the news that back row forward Sam Waldron is now out for the season because he needs an arm operation.

And wing Jonathan Morris will also miss the rest of this campaign after he suffered a serious shoulder injury in the 25-21 victory over Carmarthen Quins.

The Black and Ambers will be looking for their third victory in a row this weekend after that win over the Quins and an 11-10 Swalec Cup success over Aberavon, both at home.

But they will have to do it without their captain and openside flanker Ollie Griffiths who is on Wales Under-20s duty for their opening Six Nations clash with England at Colwyn Bay’s Parc Eirias on Saturday night.

Fellow back rower Sam Cross is also away with the Wales Sevens squad in New Zealand and the club may have to bring in a player on permit for Bridgend.

The Ravens will be on a high after they stunned Principality Premiership champions Pontypridd 23-17 at the Brewery Field on Saturday.

That surprise victory over Ponty saw Bridgend move off the bottom of the table at the expense of Newport.