NEWPORT coach Leigh Jones and Ebbw Vale counterpart Mike Ruddock today welcomed the peace moves in Welsh rugby just days before their sides meet for one of the last times as separate entities.

The clubs meet in a Principality Cup quarter-final at Eugene Cross Park on Saturday but are to merge next season with the pair likely rivals for the new Gwent regional side's chief coaching job.

"It's good news that an agreement has been reached incorporating regional teams next season," said Jones, "but there remains some doubts over the number of coaches and players and it needs to be sorted out quickly."

His comments were echoed by Ruddock, who said: "It excellent news for Welsh rugby. "But the players need to know quickly where they stand as there continue to be rumours about a large number moving into England."

Meanwhile both men have injury worries ahead of Saturday's tie.

Newport's concerns surround skipper Simon Raiwalui (dead leg), fellow second row Mike Voyle (shoulder) and scrum half Ofisa Tonu'u (leg).

In addition, centre Andy Marinos, who hoped to return for the cup tie after a long-standing ankle injury, will not make it.

"Andy is coming along nicely but he's still a week or ten days away from being available for selection," said Jones.

"The other three all have niggles but we are hopeful they will all come through."

Club trio Llyr Lane, Andy Powell and Gareth Gravell all returned home from the Hong Kong Sevens yesterday and are available for selection, as is Alex Cadwallader.

Ebbw Vale will be without full back Richard Davies, who continues to have pelvic problems.

Outside half Scott Mitchell's hamstring tightened up in training and he is rated 50-50 to face his former club while centre Rhys Shorney has a leg problem.

Second row Neil Edwards continues to have shoulder problems and is unlikely to be risked.