Pontypool’s quest to reach the final four in the Indigo Premiership has been dealt a hammer blow after they were deducted two-points by the WRU Competitions Committee.
The sanction came in the wake of their inability to field a front row for the game against RGC on 2 December. The club appealed against the deduction but were unsuccessful.
It means that while they remain in fifth place, they are now three points outside the play-off places having played one game more than fourth placed Cardiff and two more than third placed Newport.
It puts even greater emphasis on this weekend’s home clash with Merthyr, who could overtake them if they can summon up a win at Pontypool Park, where the home side have lost their last two games. Leighton Jones’ side have also lost four of their last five matches.
Newport, meanwhile, will be back at home after playing away in their last four matches. The last time they enjoyed home comforts was when they lost 28-20 to Ebbw Vale on 18 November, but now they are facing three successive home games.
“It will be great to be back home, and it is a big opportunity for us to push on with three games in a row at Newport Stadium,” said Newport head coach Ty Morris.
“We know that Aberavon will be a tough one for us this weekend and then we welcome Carmarthen Quins and RGC. Given Pontypool have just been deducted two points, it is a chance for us to increase the gap between us and them.
“I feel for them a bit because we were in a similar position to them earlier in the season with so many injuries in our front five. It’s a times like that you have to relay on a network of contacts at other clubs to help you get through it.”
Pontypridd will be hoping to continue their rise up the table and challenge Pontypool for fifth place when they head to Bridgend, while Swansea host RGC at St Helen’s. Fourth placed Cardiff head to Neath.
