NEWPORT RFC have suffered a huge blow ahead of the upcoming Principality Premiership season with points machine Geraint O'Driscoll ruled out of action until 2016, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 27-year-old full-back, who can also slot in at fly-half, ruptured knee ligaments playing for the Crawshay's WRU President's XV on their summer tour to Georgia.

The injury is set to deprive the Black and Ambers of their primary kicker and one of their main attacking threats.

O'Driscoll has been a regular since moving to Rodney Pararde from Pontypool in 2012 and has made 79 appearances over three seasons, racking up 570 points.

His trusty left boot saw him top the Premiership scoring chart in 2013/14 and last season he was narrowly behind Bedwas' Richard Powell.

But Newport will need somebody else to thrive from the tee for much of their league campaign, which starts against Neath at the Gnoll on Saturday, September 5.

"It's going to be months rather than weeks but we can't force the issue," lamented head coach Craig Warlow.

"It's just going to be a case of him working as hard as he can to come back as early after Christmas as possible.

"It is a big blow because 'GOD' is a regular 200 points a season man and is Mr Reliable for us and very rarely gets injured. I am disappointed for him but other people will have to stick their hands up now."

The Black and Ambers continue their preparations when they travel to Swalec Championship promotion hopefuls Swansea on Wednesday evening (kick-off

So far this month Newport have lost 54-27 at Rosslyn Park and enjoyed a 60-12 success against strong-scrummaging Abercarn in an hour-long conditioning match.

The All Whites have been edged out by Bridgend at the Brewery Field and Redruth so should provide a stern challenge – and Newport haven't won at St Helen's since 2009.