In 1980 the tournament was switched to August but it no longer attracted the big crowds and only 5,000 turned up to see Newport win their pool matches against Glam Wanderers, Penarth and Newbridge to meet Pontypridd in the S/F which they won comfortably 24-10. They then met Bridgend in the final.

Newport snatched a 12-0 lead with tries by Roger Powell and John Churchill both converted by Bassaleg Grammar Schoolboy Stuart Barnes. Hooker Geoff Davies and Gareth Williams crossed for tries converted by Gary Pierce to make it 12-12 at HT. Injured JPR Williams still managed a try converted by Pierce and then Churchill scored an unconverted try for Newport. Gary Pierce then sealed it for Bridgend’s 5th win in the tournament with a converted try from a tapped penalty. Pierce also won the Everson Award with 50 pts in the tournament.

Glam Wdrs 18-6 W
Penarth 20-4 W
Newbridge 16-6 W
Pontypridd 24-10 W
Bridgend 16-24 L