WE are a region, insists Newport Gwent Dragons chairman Martyn Hazell who claims Welsh Rugby Union chief David Moffett has got it wrong when he criticises the people running the Dragons.

Moffett blasted the Newport emphasis in yesterday's Argus, saying he was disappointed Hazell made no mention of regional rugby in Monday's Argus interview and that Newport would never be granted stand alone status or called Newport Dragons as some wanted.

But Hazell hits back at Moffett today, saying "He should have read the article because he's got it all wrong.

"I did say it is regional rugby, I did say we are embracing Gwent rugby. That's what it's all about, it's not the black and amber show, it's a regional team, it's Newport Gwent Dragons playing out of Rodney Parade.

"It won't be called Newport, it's in the participation agreement with the Welsh Rugby Union that we can't alter the name of any region or the colours without their agreement.

"The name is not an issue now, we want to move forward. We want Gwent people to come and support the team, we're playing Llan-elli Sacrlets in the quarter-final of the Celtic Cup at Rodney Parade on Friday night."

Moffett will want assurances from the Dragons when the two parties meet this week to discuss the way forward.

He is concerned at all the changes of coach and chief executive at Rodney Parade, though the Dragons stress only Allan Lewis was deliberately not retained of the seven coaches in the last six years, including Irishman Declan Kidney who lasted only three weeks before asking to go.

Chief executive Andy Marinos could be set for a post with the Sharks in South Africa and he could be taking Percy Mont-gomery back there with him next month.

Paul Turner, who replaces Chris Anderson as Dragons coach next week or the week after, depending on the Dragons results in the Celtic Cup, suffered a blow with current Harlequins club last night.

They plunged to the foot of the Zurich Premiership table after an enthralling battle with Leeds at Headingley when they lost 21-10. If they go down in their final game against play-off chasing Sale at the Stoop on Saturday they will be relegated for the first time in their history.

Ironically, Saturday's match brings Turner up against fellow Gwent coach Kingsley Jones, though their influence differs enormously, with head coach and chief executive Mark Evans ruling the roost with Harlequins.