NEWPORT council stepped into the growing argument over the future name of the new regional rugby club yesterday.

Councillors voted unanimously to support the battle to keep Newport in the name of next season's new regional side.

They also want the distinctive black and amber colours of the club to live on in the future strip, and for Rodney Parade stadium to be used.

Council leader Sir Harry Jones told councillors at yesterday's council meeting how Newport Rugby Official Supporters Club had approached him for support.

He said: "In recent years the club has flourished, attracting many thousands of supporters and representing our city with great distinction throughout the UK, Europe and Wales." The Newport and Ebbw Vale clubs are being merged as part of the major restructuring by the Welsh Rugby Union, but both sides are locked in disagreement over the new club's name and colours.

Newport mayor Councillor Ray Truman said: "We are adding our support to the club. "The colours are the city's colours and are important, and there's a long history attached to Newport rugby.

"The support that has developed over the last few years and the off-field activities at Rodney Parade are tremendous.

"We have got to keep Newport in the name." The council are backing Newport RFC benefactor Tony Brown. But Ebbw Vale chairman Marcus Russell is unwilling for Newport to be part of the club's title.

The dispute is holding up the signing of new players and the planning of vital marketing initiatives.

Yesterday's crisis talks at the Welsh Rugby Union failed to find a solution, and WRU chief executive David Moffett will now take the matter to his board tomorrow.

Councillor Peter McKim said after the meeting: "I'm a big fan of Newport and the club is the landmark of the city. This vote shows the WRU the council is behind the club. "Gwent is a non-existent name to the city - why shouldn't Newport be in the name. "I am in favour of Newport Steelers, as it shows the steel background of both Newport and Ebbw Vale."