Newport tonight emerged as shock front-runners to secure the services of former England coach Dick Best. Ex-Harlequins coach Best, who yesterday settled a dispute with his previous employers after being sacked six months earlier, has met Newport chairman David Watkins about the director of rugby role at Rodney Parade.

Apart from having lunch with Watkins, Best was an interested spectator when Newport took on neighbours Cardiff in a recent Challenge Trophy fixture.

Newport, currently bottom of the Welsh League premier division after losing their opening four games, are presently served by full-time chief coach Steve Jones, part-time rugby director Tommy David and backs coach Steve Fenwick.