History

Newport High School Old Boys (NHSOB) are a Welsh rugby union club based in Caerleon on the northern outskirts of Newport in South Wales. They play in the Welsh Rugby Union Division One which is a feeder club for the Newport Gwent Dragons.

Following winning Division 2 East in the 23/24 Season, NHSOB finished 4th in their promotion to Division One East during the 24/25 season, coached by Andrew Screen and captained by Niall Martin.

In November 2007, Newport HSOB RFC were recognised by the Welsh Rugby Union as the biggest community rugby club in Wales . The club provides a full range of teams for all age groups including a full female team at all levels. They provide rugby training for children and adults with learning disabilities.

Early history

Newport High School Old Boys Rugby Club has been in existence for nearly 85 years having been founded in the season of 1923/24. Although the present ground at Yew Tree Lane, Caerleon has been the club’s home for many years, the club previously led a very nomadic existence. During the early years, the teams played on pitches at the Royal Oak, Bettws, Ponthir, Llanfrechfa, and the old Caerleon Racecourse. In 1949 a field at the present site at Yew Tree Lane became available for rent and this was to become the club’s permanent home.

A major milestone was achieved in 1954 when probationary membership of the Welsh Rugby Union was granted, followed by full WRU membership in 1957. In 1960 the ground and the adjoining land became available for purchase and an area of 10 acres (40,000 m2) was bought for £975. The land was developed and a new pitch and club house were built and officially opened in 1967. Membership was opened to non Old Boys of Newport High School in the mid sixties and as a result, by the early seventies the club had four senior teams.

Notable former players