NEWPORT hall of famer Andrew Brown has left Rodney Parade to join big-spending Merthyr's bid for the Principality Premiership.

The 35-year-old hooker made 277 appearances over 11 seasons with the Black and Ambers and captained the club in the 2011/12 campaign – exploits that saw him inducted into the club's hall of fame in April.

But Brown, who also played 17 times for the Dragons, has joined former Wales back rower Andy Powell, ex-Ospreys centre David Bishop and Cardiff Blues prop Tau Filise in attempting to help Merthyr earn promotion from the Swalec Championship.

"It wasn't an easy decision because I have got so many great memories of Newport and have made so many mates for life but this is an exciting challenge," said Brown.

"Merthyr are an ambitious club with something to aim for and it should be an interesting season for me going to different clubs and different grounds."

It signals an end of an era for Newport as next season their front row will not feature any member of a popular trio that first joined forces in 2004.

Brown frequently lined up with loosehead Dai Pattison, now retired, to his left and tighthead Gethin Robinson, who will spend a second season with Ebbw Vale, to his right.

"It wouldn't have been the same! But everything has to come to an end and it's a fresh start for Newport and the chance to build," said Brown.

Brown's departure leaves Will Evans and Evan Whitson as options at hooker for Newport along with versatile front row forward Matthew Prosser while Alex Watkins, formerly of Bargoed, has been making an impression at pre-season training.

Meanwhile, the Black and Ambers are to celebrate the centenary of the Welsh Guards by taking them on in a friendly at Rodney Parade on Wednesday, September 30 (kick-off 7.15pm) in between their league fixtures with Bedwas and Aberavon.

Newport tune-up for their September 5/6 opener with Neath by visiting Rosslyn Park on Saturday, August 15 (kick-off 3pm), hosting Abercarn on Wednesday, August 19 (kick-off 7.15pm) and travelling to Swansea on Wednesday, August 26 (kick-off 7.15pm).