FORMER Newport favourite Scott Williams returns to his old stamping ground to play on permit for Cross Keys in a Principality Premiership derby at Rodney Parade this afternoon (kick-off 2.30pm), writes Chris Kirwan.

The strong-running centre made 217 appearances for the Black and Ambers, making his debut against Uruguay in 2001 and finishing at Pontypool in 2012.

The 36-year-old plays on permit from WRU National Championship side Newbridge and is part of an unfamiliar looking Keys side because of player unavailability and injuries with James Leadbeater, another former Newport player, moving from scrum-half to fly-half.

Keys play their final game on the road with fixtures to come at Pandy Park against Llanelli, Pontypridd and Ebbw Vale.

Newport, meanwhile, aim to get back on the horse after a tough week.

The Black and Ambers were beaten by Merthyr in the WRU National Cup final on Sunday then a much-changed line-up was edged out at Bedwas in the league just two days later.

Newport have enjoyed a super campaign and will be desperate to finish with a flourish with a home encounter against Ponty and trip to RGC 1404 to come.

Head coach Craig Warlow brings back plenty first-teamers after they were understandably given Tuesday off after their Principality Stadium exertions.

The three-quarters from the final all return to the XV while fly-half Matt O'Brien, lock Joe Bartlett and flanker Kyle Tayler makes their third starts of the week.

Newport: G O'Driscoll, E Frewen, C Smith, T Pascoe, J Morris, M O'Brien, T Lucas, J Lavender, Henry Palmer, G Harris, J Bartlett, D Partridge, M Burgess, K Tayler, R Jenkins. Replacements: W Evans, N Boyce, T Piper, C Shefford, A Everett, AN Other, H Simons, Haydn Palmer.

Cross Keys: D Richard, L Lewis, M Powell, S Williams, N Trowbridge, J Leadbeater, O Leonard, G Carpenter, D Hughes, S Evans, T Lampard, J Skinner, S Matthews (captain), J Thomas, I Jones. Replacements: Z Hewlett, T Hansen, R Cornock, AN Other, G Price, B Watkins, I Burgwin, B Snell.

Referee: Gareth John (WRU)

Fixtures: Bridgend v Bargoed, Llandovery v Carmarthen Quins, Newport v Cross Keys, Pontypridd v Cardiff, RGC 1404 v Merthyr, Ebbw Vale v Bedwas (tomorrow)