THE future of Ebbw Vale Rugby Club is still hanging in the balance, even after last-ditch talks held yesterday in an effort to avoid closure because of financial problems.

The club set the Welsh Rugby Union a deadline of yesterday after appealing for them to help with cash flow to ease their burden.

That was caused in part by the absence of any home fixtures for months next season. But after the morning passed without any decision, and when at one stage the future looked really grim, more talks late yesterday afternoon offered some hope.

A possible solution was finally put by the WRU to the club, and now their board will hold urgent talks over the weekend to decide what the future holds, if there is a future.

Even if the board decide to give the go-ahead to the eleventh-hour solution, there will need to be major restructuring at the club.

That almost certainly means players and staff being made redundant or going part-time.

Vale chief executive Tony Dilloway remained in Cardiff all day yesterday and had talks throughout the afternoon, mainly with WRU financial officers.

He admitted: "The solution offered will involve a major restructuring of the club which the directors will have to consider over the weekend.

"I will be taking the solution offered by the WRU to my directors. We now have a serious option on the table to help us move closer to starting the season."

WRU chairman and treasurer Glanmor Griffiths expressed optimism when he said: "The WRU has offered a potential solution to Ebbw Vale in their current financial difficulties.

"The plan will now be put to the club board of directors with a view that they can put in place arrangements that will secure the future of one of Wales' most valued teams."

He added: "I'm delighted the Ebbw Vale directors decided to come to us at such an early stage after identifying they had financial problems.

"They have acted in a highly responsible manner when considering the club's future, and we've been pleased to help and offer advice."