NEWPORT have suffered a pair of injuries to key players as they prepare for the new chapter in their rich history that begins with a meeting against their fiercest foes.

On Sunday the Black and Ambers will play the first rugby game on the new hybrid pitch at their historic Rodney Parade home that is now owned by the Welsh Rugby Union.

Newport entertain Cardiff and are hoping to get off to a flying start in what is sure to be a testing campaign.

The club will face plenty of off-field challenges as they attempt to raise revenue following the sale of their asset and new structure in Newport.

“A good example is that we turned up for our first pre-season session and the locks had changed,” said head coach Craig Warlow.

“We couldn’t get access to all the balls, the tackle suits or equipment. There are challenges that we have never faced before that we will have to overcome as we go along.

“But the players are durable… if they’ve got nothing to moan about they will find something! It’s all about the rugby on the field for us.”

On that front the Black and Ambers have been dealt a pair of summer blows with injuries to wing Eliot Frewen, who is set to be out for four to six months with a shoulder problem, and lock Dan Partridge, who will be out for four months with a bicep tear.

However, Warlow remains upbeat and is challenging the younger members of his squad to fill the void as last season’s Tier Two champions aim to pick up where they left off.

“One man getting injured is another opportunity for another to take his place,” said the former fly-half.

“We’ve had a lot of changes and lost a lot of experience but I am sure we will be talking about players this time next year that we are not talking about at the moment.

“Hopefully that will be through positive experiences and playing some good rugby.”

“I was really pleased with how we ended the season and hopefully we can hit the ground running and avoid a slow start like last year.

“That’s key for us because if we start well we have capable players and for us it’s about belief.

“To start with a derby with Cardiff is great and I am really looking forward to it and hopefully the supporters will come out in numbers.”