From the match programme:-
"WELCOME TO RODNEY PARADE"
"This afternoon we are delighted and honoured to once again extend a very warm and sincere Rodney Parade welcome to the President Herbert Waddell, team and officials of the Barbarian Football Club."
"Fixtures between our two clubs commenced in 1893, and with the exception of the War years have continued since. At the moment, the overall record reads. Played 72, Newport winning 45, Barbarians winning 24 and 3 games being drawn. Last season saw the visitors winning by 38 pts. to 21 pts., while the year before, Newport, thanks to their ability to swim won by 13 pts. to Nil, in a game which was abandoned after 70 minutes due to monsoon conditions."
"This season, the Barbarians have once again selected for this summer's British Lions Tour, and this will provide John Carlton, Peter Morgan, Phil Blakeway, Peter Wheeler, Bill Beaumont, John O'Driscoll and John Beattie with the ideal opportunity of getting to know one another better before leaving for South Africa. It may also give Peter Wheeler and John O'Driscoll the respective captains of Leicester and London Irish the opportunity of discussing tactics for the John Player Cup Final."
"Rugby followers in Wales are delighted that the Barbarian selectors are continuing their policy in selecting French players and it is certain that if any or all of the three selected, Roland Bertranne, Jacques Fouroux (The Little General) or Jean Pierre-Rives, play this afternoon, they will receive a very special welcome. The same will obviously apply to those Men of Gwent, Eddie Butler and John Doubleday."
"To play for the Barbarians, is one of the highest honours a player can achieve in the game and it is hoped that some of the Black and Amber players providing the opposition this afternoon will impress sufficiently for their names to be remembered for next season in order that they may follow the numerous Newport players who have worn the colours of our famous visitors."
"Welcome Barbarians, the illustrious histories of both our clubs will provide the foundation for the future. May today's game be worthy of many magnificent games of the past."
"TODAY'S SPONSORS"
"The Chairman, Committee and Players of Newport R.F.C. would like to express their sincere appreciation to the Directors, Management and Staff of Howells Garages (Newport) Ltd., for their generous sponsorship of this afternoon's game."
"Howells Garages (Newport) Ltd., through their Directors and Managment, have supported Newport R.F.C. for many years and we welcome them and their guests this afternoon for a game that promises all that is good in rugby football."
"Thank you Howells, long may your support of Newport R.F.C. continue."
"CLUB NOTES"
"Members and supporters are requested to note that the 1st team are playing at Penarth on Thursday next 10th April, in the fixture re-arranged from Wednesday 26th March. The Penarth Club kindly released us from that date in order that we could prepare for our Cup semi final versus Swansea. Penarth are celebrating their Centenary this season and it is hoped as many Newport supporters as possible will travel to the Athletic Ground for the game, the kick-off being 7 p.m."
"Another date that requires a place in your diaries is May Day, Monday 5th May 1980. Newport Athletic Club are holding a Sports/Open Day at Rodney Parade and all members, supporters and members of the general public plus their familes are invited to attend. Why not come along, a visit to the Trophy Room containing so much of the great history of the club, is an experience in itself. Remember the date, Monday 5th May, 1980."
"It is hoped, weather permitting, this afternoon, to play a curtain raiser to the main game in the form of Newport Schools Union U11 Final. In the past this has proved excellent entertainment for those spectators who like to get into the ground early, and the same can be expected from todays teams."
"Our postponed fixture with Neath will now take place at Rodney Parade on Tuesday 29th April K.O. 7.15 p.m. The date for our postponed home fixture versus Aberavon has still to be arranged due to both clubs being heavily committed between now and the end of the season."
"Congratulations must be extended to Stuart Barnes and David Jones of Bassaleg School on their selection for the Wales Schools U19 team, and Clive Rogers on his selection as sub. All these boys have previously played for their country and everyone at Rodney Parade hopes they will soon be seen in the Black and Amber jersey."