A DRAMATIC change of heart by top television chiefs to avoid a massive rugby cup clash has been applauded by clubs.

The Konica Minolta Welsh Cup tie between Cross Keys and Newport was due to be screened live on S4C's Saturday evening slot on January 24 after it was switched from an afternoon kick-off.

But that would have been just 25 minutes after the huge Heineken Cup clash between Newport Gwent Dragons and Leicester at Rodney Parade began.

After waves of protests, S4C have now changed their minds and will not be showing the game. It is expected to be rescheduled again with a Sunday kick-off.

WRU general manager Steve Lewis said: "It is an excellent decision. They (the television authorities) have responded in a very positive way and we appreciate their decision."

Newport director Will Godfrey, when told by the Argus, said: "It is a wonderful decision for the fans and it is common sense prevailing, We should applaud S4C and the BBC for their decision.

"On our fans' website, we had close on a 1,000 hits and 98.6 per cent were against the screening clash and I think they will all be delighted and we should be delighted with the people who have taken this decision."

Gareth Davies, S4C's Sports Commissioner, said: "Following discussions with the WRU and the clubs, S4C and BBC Wales (the broadcast provider for this match) have agreed not to schedule live coverage of the Konica Minolta Cup clash between Cross Keys and Newport.

"S4C and BBC Wales have considered the views of all concerned and have decided not to show this game.

"This will enable fans from Cross Keys and Newport to support Newport Gwent Dragons in their European Cup clash with the Leicester Tigers at Rodney Parade.

"This is a one-off decision for this particular Saturday only and has been taken in light of the Dragons impressive win against Stade Francais last weekend."

BBC Head of Sport Nigel Walker said: "It is unfortunate that the European Cup match was scheduled to clash with our normal transmission time for live rugby on S4C.

"However, with this decision, fans of Cross Keys and Newport can now travel to support their regional side and we will not be covering a match that day."

The BBC, in conjunction with S4C, having decided to pull the plug on the Welsh Cup tie will not screen another tie in its place.

When the plans were first announced there was outcry from all concerned and fans bombarded the Welsh Rugby Union, the television authorities and the Argus- not to mention expressing disgust on club websites- with their protest.

Cross Keys had complained bitterly over the initial decision, maintaining that if the two games had gone ahead with a 30-minute gap between the two matches they would have lost in the region of £20,000 through a drop in gate and bar takings and sponsorship.

A Cross Keys spokesman said: "We will comment once we have received official confirmation of the decision."