GWENT Dragons - that is the name the Welsh Rugby Union wants the new regional rugby team to adopt.

The recommendation was made to Newport and Ebbw Vale by the Union's board last night, though WRU chief executive David Moffett declined to comment.

Ebbw Vale chief Marcus Russell welcomed the move wholeheartedly, but Newport spokesman Martyn Hazell was non-committal while Supporters' Club chairman Dennis Bennett was dismissive.

Hazell said the Newport board would consult their supporters and committee fully before taking a decision at a meeting within the next fortnight, but the club are believed to be still firmly of the opinion Newport must be retained in the regional name.

Russell told the Argus: "Both Tony (Newport benefactor Tony Brown) and I had informed Mr Moffett we'd accept whatever decision the Union arrived at on this, so I'm relieved a solution has been found.

"We now have a lot of work to do in a short space of time in order to realise our true start up potential.

"I'm confident with the enthusiastic personnel we have at Gwent Rugby Limited we can do that.

"The Union's decision underlines the growing belief that a Gwent-named side has a commercial appeal across the whole of South East Wales.

"The Gwent Dragons will galvanise the support of rugby followers throughout South East Wales as they can unite behind an inclusive brand with a strong Welsh identity.

"We have a high quality fixture list and a competitive and committed squad of players.

"With the help of Newport Rugby Club we're looking forward to staging regular, top class, cross-border rugby at Rodney Parade against some of the best sides in Europe."

Hazell said: "We asked the WRU to adjudicate and they have made this recommendation and I don't really see where that leaves us.

"We will have a board meeting next week or the week after to see whether we accept it or whether we don't.

"We won't do anything without asking our supporters and our committee.

"What I will say is that we are all trying to do the right thing for Welsh rugby. We are well aware that what we decide will have a bearing on the whole of Welsh rugby.

"There are other regions who are not very happy and are waiting to see what we are doing."

Bennett said: "Newport fans will be bitterly disappointed and I don't think they will support the regional name.

"We've had almost 12,000 people say they won't support it if Newport is not in the title and that remains a real concern."

The clubs asked Moffett to arbitrate on a name on Tuesday and he declined. He made no recommendation at last night's board meeting but they decided to put the name Gwent Dragons forward, though legally they cannot impose it.

In view of Russell's statement, it leaves the ball firmly back in Newport's court and leaves them in almost a no-win scenario.

Should the Newport name not be included in the Gwent set-up it is likely benefactor Tony Brown will walk away for good, leaving the regional side to face possible collapse, as it is unlikely Russell could fund any shortfall.

One source told me Gwent would need around £2.6m to break even but the WRU are committing only £1.6m.

And if the Gwent region collapses, other regions could follow, leaving Welsh rugby with its biggest crisis yet.

Meanwhile, decisions on the structure of the Second to the Fifth Divisions next season and the fixtures were decided last night and will be relayed to the clubs over the weekend.