Today is the 60th anniversary of one of the greatest ever Barbarian wins. South Africa were touring the UK and hadn’t lost to international opposition on British soil for 55 years.
Newport were well represented that day by Brian Price, Billy Watkins and our President Brian ‘BJ’ Jones.
South Africa had already beaten Wales, Scotland, Ireland and England (twice), They were hot favourites but the BaBa’s had different ideas. Led by Ireland hooker Ronnie Dawson the game is famously remembered for Haydn Mainwaring’s smashing tackle on Avril Malan. Haydn later came to Newport and served as a player, selector and committee man.
BJ still talks fondly of that famous day when he and his two Newport colleagues upset the odds.