WALES boss Warren Gatland will help Newport Saracens toast their centenary at a Christmas lunch at the Celtic Manor.

The Sarries are well known throughout the country and in the 1960s were one of the top sides in the Monmouthshire League and two-time winners of the Ben Francis Cup.

It’s also 30 years this week that the club gave cup kings Llanelli a scare when they welcomed them to their then home Sandy Lane.

Sarries, who had lost five in a row, pushed the west Walians all the way but were edged out 19-9. Llanelli went on to win the cup and days after their tough trip to Newport beat the touring Australians at Stradey Park.

Several international stars have worn the Sarries’ red and black, most notably British Lions Bobby Windsor and Charlie Faulkner.

Windsor is now back at Sarries as president while both front row icons enjoyed spells coaching the club.

The Sarries’ other internationals are Brian Cresswell, Eddie Butler, Jason Forster and Mathew Robinson.

Other notable ex-internationals who coached the Sarries are legendary Wales and Lions star David Watkins, Gareth Evans and Algie Thomas.

Prop Mike Hurn captained the side in the 1960s after a fist class career at Abertillery, he played for a combined Monmouthshire side against the all conquering All Blacks & was voted by them as the best prop forward they faced on their UK tour.

Many Saracens players have donned the famous black and amber of Newport, the lengthy lists includes Bill Hazell, Viv Jacques, Stewart Clode, Eddie Mogford, Del Haines, Peter Rose, Richard Taylor, Roger Clifford, Peter Davies, Andrew Perry, Robert Young, Hassan Ali, Andy Pocock and Jason Forster.

The Saracens have embarked on many overseas tours, three to the USA and other destinations including Bermuda, France, Germany and Spain while the clubs has enjoyed social tours to the Hong Kong and Dubai Sevens and Australia for the 2003 World Cup.

Gatland will be guest at the event on Friday, December 5 with tickets costing £45 for a three-course lunch.

Contact Mark Vickery 07792 418192 or Janet Harris 07720 558271 for more information.