The WRU and television companies are in talks to try to resolve the rugby row which erupted in Gwent last week.

Newport Gwent Dragons have a crunch meeting with English giants Leicester in the Heineken Cup while Newport travel the short distance to Cross Keys in the Konica Minolta Cup. Both games are being televised live on January 24, the Dragons kicking-off at 5pm and Cross Keys 30 minutes later, the game at Pandy Park being screened by S4C.

Gwent rugby fans are up in arms over the clash, complaining both to the Argus and S4C.

Steve Lewis, WRU general manager, said: "I am in talks with Nigel Walker (head of sport at BBC) and S4C and trying to present a case as to why we need to reconsider. They told me they would get back to me."

It is an anxious wait for Cross Keys who stand to lose in the region of £20,000 in gate money, bar takings and lost sponsorship unless there is a change.

David Jenkins, Dragons chief executive, said: "We're as disappointed as anyone else.

"It's vital that we have as many people as possible watching the Dragons and it's also critical for Cross Keys. We are going to try to get people to reconsider their position.Common sense must prevail."

Both Keys and Newport were strongly critical of the decision by S4C to have the Keys game switched but while all parties remain in talks there is hope of a satisfactory outcome.

A spokesman for S4C said a statement would be made later today.