EBBW Vale play a tough final tune-up for the Principality Premiership when they welcome London Welsh to Eugene Cross Park this evening (kick-off 7.30pm).

The Steelmen are aiming to go one better than last season’s second-placed finish and their encounter with the Exiles should be a good indicator of their summer progress under the stewardship of new head coach Nigel Davies.

Welsh endured a winless 2014/15 campaign in the Aviva Premiership, European Rugby Challenge Cup and LV= Cup but should be among the English Championship front-runners.

They boast former Steelmen Rob and James Lewis in their squad, ex-Newport speedster Alan Awcock and former Dragons Darren Waters and Martyn Thomas.

NEWPORT suffered a 25-17 pre-season defeat when Swansea showed their Swalec Championship title credentials at Morriston RFC.

The Black and Ambers suffered from a few late withdrawals but were able to give powerful number eight Spencer Gibson, a summer recruit from Ebbw Vale, some game time on his return from injury.

Newport took an early lead through the right boot of fly-half Matt O’Brien, another on the comeback trail, but Swansea struck back with a try by centre Jedd Evans and five points from kicker Ian Brooks.

O’Brien went over for a try that he converted and, following another Brooks penalty, an impressive drive by the forwards saw prop James Greenfield go over for a try that his fly-half converted for a 17-13 lead at the break.

However, Newport were unable to add to their tally and it was the All Whites who took the spoils thanks to scores by Andrew Claypole and Rory Gallagher.

- The Principality Premiership sides will be in action in the WRU Foster’s National 7s at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park.

In round one Ebbw Vale face the Welsh Exiles, Cross Keys take on Llanelli, Newport lock horns with RGC 1404 and Bedwas meet Bridgend.

The Dragons ladies will also be in action, taking on their Cardiff Blues counterparts in round one of the Radler Women’s 7s.