NEWPORT are boosted by the return of influential prop Dai Pattison for tonight’s game against champions Pontypridd in the Principality Premiership.

The 34-year-old missed the first three games of the season after suffering a leg injury in the August 2 pre-season encounter with Bargoed.

The Black and Ambers will hope that the loosehead – who has played 314 times for the club – can help solidify a scrum that creaked in the 44-10 defeat at Carmarthen Quins last Saturday.

Pattison, who scored a try in last season’s corresponding fixture, joins forces with fellow stalwart Andrew Brown and Dragons Academy tighthead Alex Jeffries in the front row.

“Dai has been back in training for two weeks and is itching to get back out there,” said head coach Sven Cronk.

Newport are boosted by the return of lock Adam Frampton while prolific full-back Geraint O’Driscoll is back after missing the Carmarthen clash because of work commitments.

The 26-year-old kicked 15 points in last season’s shock 35-22 triumph against Ponty on his way to becoming the Premiership’s top scorer while lively wings Owen Broad and Ashton Hewitt (2) crossed for tries.

Ponty are forced into changing the side that drubbed Neath 38-7 on opening weekend as full-back Geraint Walsh and openside flanker Ellis Jenkins are on regional duty for Cardiff Blues against Ulster at BT Sport Arms Park this evening.

They are bolstered by the presence of lock Chris Dicomidis in the boilerhouse while mobile hooker Kristian Dacey is among the replacements.

Newport: G O’Driscoll, A Hewitt, N Edwards, D Franchi, J Morris, M O’Brien, A Quick, D Pattison, Andrew Brown, A Jeffries, Adam Brown, A Frampton, R Jenkins, O Griffiths (captain), B Lampitt. Replacements: D Rogers, L Jenkins, C Davies, D Partridge, S Feehan, O Broad, J Lewis, J Murphy.

Pontypridd: A Summerhill, L I Williams, G Dacey, D Lockyer (captain), M Nuthall, S Humberstone, L Williams, J Howe, L Belcher, B Thyer, A Jones, C Dicomidis, W O’Connor, R Shellard, D Godfrey. Replacements: T Williams, L K Williams, C Clayton, K Dacey, O Sheppeard, C Lock, C Phillips.

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The fourth annual Rodney Parade beer festival takes place this weekend.

The Friends of Newport Rugby Trust have organised the event that features over 25 real ales and ciders as well as live music.

The festival is running in a marquee between the stadium and clubhouse from 3pm to 11pm today and from 11am to 11pm tomorrow, with Newport Gwent Dragons taking on Glasgow at 2.40pm.