NEWPORT owner Tony Brown has blasted the Welsh Rugby Union for favouring some clubs financially at the expense of others.

And he has also hit out at the selfishness of some rivals for trying to hold back the progress of the new four-team provincial system in Welsh rugby.

Both attacks are made on the back of the debt WRU/Millennium Stadium chief executive David Moffett claims Llanelli owe.

He said at Thursday night's Press conference, Llanelli owed the WRU £2.3m which the club later denied - claiming the Union owe them money.

Nevertheless, Brown stormed: "It seems that those clubs who have squealed the loudest have got the biggest share of the money to the disadvantage of others.

"Taking Moffett's figure, it's absolutely disgusting some clubs have got into a state by financial mis-management.

"The sooner WRU people responsible for this resign the better for Welsh rugby, though it's been dragged to its knees already."

Brown added sarcastically: "I'm very disappointed Newport haven't had their snout in the trough in the same way as others.

"It appears the financial mismanagement of the WRU has been such that some clubs have advanced to the pain of others."

Not only have Llanelli denied they owe the WRU anything, but they continue to insist on standing alone and say they will not join with Swansea.

On top of that, Cardiff owner Peter Thomas denies he is talking to Pontypridd about a merger and says the terms of the lease on the Arms Park means they can only be called Cardiff and play in blue and black.

All that puts in jeopardy once again Moffett's lates plan for four provincial teams based on equal partnerships.

Brown commented: "It would be a shame if the selfish interests of individual clubs destroy what is trying to be created.

"The only other option is to go to nine clubs, but some clubs are prepared to see that on the back of self interest.

"Newport and Ebbw Vale have agreed a partnership. What the other clubs do is an issue for the WRU, but we need a sense of realism.

"There is insufficient funding for five teams, we've agreed to four and that's the way to go.

"It's been passed by the WRU and it will go to an extraordinary general meeting when it will probably go through."