NO Gwent player will face the Swansea scenario of having his current wages cut or contract torn up as a result of the advent of regional rugby next season. Ebbw Vale benefactor Marcus Russell acknowledges some out-of-contract players at his club and at regional co-hosts Newport will lose jobs at the end of this campaign.

But he insists all contracts that roll over into next season will be honoured and is adamant Welsh Rugby Union chief executive David Moffett WILL press ahead with a four provinces structure for the Heineken Cup and Celtic League next season.

European Rugby Cup organisers yesterday gave Moffett three weeks - until April 2 - to sort out a four or five regional teams plan with the Welsh Premier clubs for next season.

Only when a plan is finalised will they decide on the number of Welsh representatives in next season's Heienken Cup, so Moffett has to move quickly or face the unpalatable scenario of the nine-clubs Premier structure remaining.

"Newport and Ebbw Vale confronted the Swansea scenario (where benefactors have pulled the plug on further financing this season and the club have entered temporary administration) two months ago," said Russell.

"Both clubs told their players that any liabilities and contracts that roll over into next season will be honoured.

"As a result, both Tony Brown and I are incurring significant liabilities and costs in order to set up a Gwent province with a clean sheet.

"We've not worked out how many players who will be out of contract at the end of the season might be out of jobs because that's something we'll have to work out with whoever is appointed head coach to the provincial side."

Russell said the threat of an injunction by Llanelli and/or others against the WRU to stop provincial rugby did not worry him.

"Legal advice is that that's a load of rubbish, but of course they are desperate now to stop any progress being made in Welsh rugby.

"What it does do is stop us publicly appointing people into positions.

"What's holding us back, if you like, is the prevarication of David Moffett. "He's assuring us it is happening (four provinces for next season) and he is confident and I am confident that he is going to see this through.

"The pressure now to deliver reorganisation is immense as a result of the abject performances of the national side.

"Everything is crumbling around it and nobody's going to wait for one or two stick in the mud.

"We have to get a structure in place to give the national team every chance of success.

"There are a few who can't get their heads out of the sand, but everybody's preparing for change - apart from the one or two stick-in the-mud's. "Newport and Ebbw Vale have the nuts and bolts of a joint venture agreement in place and we're waiting for the WRU now.

"We are ready to put the final flesh on the bones but we do need the final go-ahead from David Moffett and we're anticipating the go-ahead shortly."