TOP Welsh players are negotiating contracts with English clubs because of the financial uncertainty in the game here, claims Newport owner Tony Brown.

He even admits players from his own club are seeking a contract across the border and says there is nothing he can do to stop it happening.

The Welsh game is fast heading for the buffers, Swansea already in administration and WRU chief David Moffett saying he will rip up loyalty agreements with the clubs at the end of the season.

That has further angered Llanelli and Cardiff, who are threatening legal action to prevent four provincial teams being brought in to compete in the Heineken Cup and Celtic League next season.

The deadline for agreement is April 2 when Moffett has to submit to European Rugby Cup chiefs in Dublin the Welsh format for next season.

Brown says he doesn't blame players seeking financial security in England, even if the contracts are worth less than the salaries they are getting now.

"There are Welsh players negotiating with English clubs," said Brown. "I do believe English clubs are looking at what is available in Wales.

"Some players are prepared to accept lower contracts than they have now to safeguard their futures because they don't know where Welsh rugby is going.

"I do know of some players who are negotiating, I even know Newport players have had offers from English clubs. There is nothing I can do about it. If I was a player I'd put the security of my wife and family first.

"If an offer was made which was marginally lower, I would settle for the security of England."

The Zurich Premiership will keep going through the World Cup in the autumn and with leading England players not available to the clubs, they will want to bring others in despite financial difficulties across the bridge as well.

Newport players out of contract at the end of the season include Mike Voyle, Adrian Garvey, Simon Raiwalui, Andy Marinos and Chris Anthony while Shane Howarth is finishing early and Matt Mostyn, Ofisa Tonu'u and Rod Snow may not be able to play as they are non-Welsh.

Brown cannot offer any of them a new deal because neither he nor anyone else knows whether it will be four or five provinces or nine clubs next season.

"Welsh rugby is not paying its way, and Swansea have acted before anyone else," said Brown.

"David Moffett is trying to do his best, but after 10 years of mismanagement it's like trying to put life into a dead body.

"He has made one tactical mistake. He should have recommended four sides at the egm because then everyone would have known where they stood.

"We are picking up the pieces. The Swansea benefactors have said enough, and while I have every intention of honouring contracts at Newport we have got to look at reducing costs."

Brown has called a meeting of Newport RFC shareholders and season ticket holders next Wednesday when he will bring them up to date with the situation.

"I will give them the various scenarios, but we must cut our suit according to the cloth," he said.

"If it is to be nine clubs next season it will be a disaster."