On October 31, 1989, Newport RFC faced the mighty New Zealand All Blacks at Rodney Parade in a historic rugby clash.
The All Blacks, on their unbeaten tour of the British Isles, featured future Wales head coach Warren Gatland in the starting line-up as hooker.
This match would mark the last occasion a Welsh club side faced the All Blacks, closing a significant chapter to Welsh rugby history.
Despite Newport’s brave performance, the New Zealanders demonstrated their trademark dominance, showcasing superior skill and physicality.
(Image: Argus archive) The All Black’s beat Newport RFC comfortably to maintain their unbeaten tour.
The visitors had already asserted their prowess against Cardiff, Pontypool, Swansea, Neath, Llanelli and went onto beat the Welsh national side, all the Irish provinces and national side and the Barbarians.
Their match against Newport was no exception, as they ran out 54-9 winners into front of 15,000 fans at Rodney Parade, Newport.
Look at The Argus archive pictures from the Pontypool v New Zealand game here: Archive – New Zealand beat Pontypool on their UK Tour in October 1989
The All Blacks’ relentless attacking play and defensive solidity overwhelmed the Welsh side.
For Warren Gatland starting at hooker, this match was one of the pivotal moments in his playing career, representing the strength and tradition of New Zealand rugby.
Years later, Gatland would return to Wales, not as an opposing player but as a coach, leading the national team to significant successes and instilling a similar tenacity seen in the All Blacks’ performance that night.
(Image: Argus archive) Warren Gatland (with the ball) was the starting hooker for the New Zealand All Blacks against Newport RFC in 1989.
However, in stark contrast to his playing days on the 1989 tour when his side won all 14 matches, recently the Welsh national coach has overseen a troubled period.
Wales’ men’s team did not win a game in 2024. This mean they went a whole calendar year without winning a Test, which has not happened since 1937.
In November Warren Gatland said he was “motivated” to continue as Wales boss.
The 1989 match remains a proud memory for Newport RFC and a symbol of the rich rugby heritage shared between Wales and New Zealand. It stands as a reminder of the club’s resilience and the enduring impact of matches against the world’s rugby giants.