EBBW Vale Rugby Club will still be playing in the Welsh Premier Division next season. The club received a letter from the Welsh Rugby Union this morning confirming this season's bottom club would not be relegated.

The Union also confirmed there would thus be 17 teams in the Premier Division next season with First Division champions Llanharan promoted.

Chief executive Ray Harris admitted he was a relieved man and immediately contacted benefactor Marcus Russell in Los Angeles to give him the good news as well as coaches Wayne Jones and Byron Hayward, who were set to contact the players.

"My first reaction is one of great relief because 125 years of history had been in the balance," said Harris.

"I'm pleased the Union have seen sense and taken up a proposal from the Premier clubs which hurts nobody.

"It means next year, provided the Union gets things right, we will begin on a level playing field "Some people may say we have been saved but I don't see it like that. I see it as a case of Cardiff being saved.

"They broke the rules more than anybody else and if the rules that pertained at the start of the season had been adhered to we would not have been bottom.

"Now the work begins to ensure we do much better next season.

"Our coaches are staying in charge and most of the players want to remain and I am grateful for the loyalty they have shown in this difficult period."

Hayward added: "I'm very happy at the reprieve, but we have to ensure we don't get into the same position next season.

"Last season we had to start from scratch. This time we have something to start with. "Most of the players are happy here, they can see what we are trying to do and want to stay."

The Union had previously rejected ringfencing the Premier Division on four occasions. But after issuing incorrect guidelines to the clubs, many of whom subsequently included too many regional players, they have changed their minds having been warned that they were on shaky ground legally.