Newport's Ty Morris deserves Premiership title win - Workman

The Black and Ambers are 80 minutes away from their first league title since 2004 but they face a stern test against Llandovery at Church Bank tomorrow (kick-off 2.40pm).

The Drovers edged out Newport for top spot – and home advantage – by a point after the rivals slugged it out over the course of the regular season.

The Black and Ambers have been consistent contenders for silverware in recent years and lifted the Premiership Cup in 2022, then were beaten at the death at Principality Stadium the following year.

They were agonisingly close to winning the league in a Covid-shortened 2022 season – paying the price for a home loss to a fired-up Merthyr – then lost at Cardiff in the play-off semi-finals 12 months ago.

At the heart of their rise has been Morris, who stepped up from forwards coach when Craig Warlow moved on in 2019.

Former lock Workman, who was inducted into Newport’s hall of fame in 2013, has seen the strides made in his role as team manager.

BOSS: Newport head coach Ty Morris (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“For a few years we were never really in the running but recently we have consistently been competing at the right end,” said Workman, who made 287 appearances for the club.

“Winning the Premiership would be the icing on the cake after all Ty’s hard work with the detail that he puts in, the recruitment and the way that he drives the backroom staff.

“He has been outstanding and deserves major recognition for all that he’s done; he has done a fantastic job and is revelling in the role.

“Ty is part of the fixtures and fittings – he’s incredibly passionate about Newport considering that he played for Ebbw Vale and Cross Keys!”

Newport have had some terrific sides in recent years – notably Sven Cronk’s uncompromising side that ruffled feathers in the British & Irish Cup – but the current crop are on a roll ahead of the Drovers fixture.

Captain Ben Roach applauds Newport's fans after the win against Ebbw Vale (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“In the past we could beat anyone on our day and have our moments but now this squad is aiming for a 16th win in a row,” said Workman, with Newport fresh from hammering Ebbw 48-13 in the semi-finals.

“Winning is a habit and in some of those games we’ve done it without necessarily playing that well but Ty is also big on his learnings, and we have developed from the defeats we have had in recent years.”

Morris has also embraced high-tempo rugby, building on foundations laid by former fly-half Warlow.

“Craig started this style. Ty learnt a lot of him and has brought in people like James Dixon who believe in playing rugby this way,” said Workman.

“Some of the tries we have scored in recent years have been fantastic and the boys have been a pleasure to watch.

“We’ve got a great environment and people want to come here now, which years ago wouldn’t happen unless a side was spending big money. Players know that we play a great brand and we have been successful.”

Newport are on the brink of something special but will need to produce their best display of the season to turn the Drovers over at Church Bank.

“When you want something so much, you are just desperate to get over the line,” said Workman.

“It will be tough this weekend because the league table shows just how good both sides are. Llandovery have played some quality rugby as well so it’s an appropriate final game of the season.”