EVERYTHING Newport Rugby Club have achieved in the last few years is in danger of being destroyed by provincial rugby, says Dennis Bennett, chairman of the supporters club.

Wales director of rugby Terry Cobner and new WRU chief executive David Moffett have presented a radical plan to the clubs far in excess of what they were expecting.

They propose a North Wales team based at Wrexham, as well as Newport combining with Ebbw Vale and Caerphilly at Rodney Parade, Cardiff with Pontypridd and Bridgend from the Arms Park and Llanelli with Swansea and Neath out of Stradey Park or Swansea.

Newport have already threatened to withhold permission for a provincial team to use Rodney Parade, which they own, while Bennett believes the huge infrastructure which has been built up could face ruin.

"Anyone who thinks about Welsh rugby knows it has to change, but I am concerned for Newport and what will be done to the marketing, commercial and Gateway and Second Half projects, particularly with the local authority involvement," said Bennett.

"We are also the best supported club in Wales, we took seven coaches to Bonymaen last season. Now all that is under threat from a provincial set-up.

"As a Welsh rugby supporter I also find it amazing they are going to put a team in North Wales. Whether they will support the provincial side I'm not sure.

"Newport's survival is our concern and we worry that all that has been done could be destroyed.

"It's comforting to know one side will be based at Newport, but it's got to be sad for us and all the other clubs.

"We've got 860 members who have joined Newport Supporters Club.

"Are they still going to be interested? Are they going to support a team which is not playing at top level? (the semi-professional side playing in a premier or first division). We seem to be the leading club in Welsh rugby in terms of marketing and support. Now that is in danger of being destroyed."