IT'S business as usual for Ebbw Vale's players after they resumed training with the cash-strapped club yesterday.

But coach Mike Ruddock refuses to comment on suggestions some of them will have to go if the club is to survive.

Ruddock (pictured above) told the players to take the weekend off to consider the situation after they were officially informed of the financial crisis.

"It is not the case that the players refused to train," said Ruddock.

"When the director of rugby and chief executive explained the situation I felt, given the uncertainty, it would be wise to tell the players to take an enforced long weekend break to consider their future and report back at midday on Tuesday.

"We did that and Marcus Russell (chairman of the board of directors) faxed me a statement to read to the players.

"That said meetings were ongoing and he was hopeful of a resolution being found. "I was directed to continue preparing the players for the start of the season. "I told the players the coaches would be as professional as possible and get on with the job and I expected the same of them.

"To be fair to them, they responded superbly and they should be commended on their professionalism.

"No-one asked any questions, they were just keen to get on with their work. But it's not for me to say about players leaving, that's a matter for the board."

Ruddock emphasised the determination to get through the crisis and emerge triumphant from it. It's not a nice situation and unfortunately it's not the first time," he said.

Ruddock refered to a previous crisis in the last few years, saying: "The club couldn't travel to Europe, players left for other clubs because we couldn't match their wages and bonuses were not paid on time.

"But we still reached the semi-final of the cup, the quarter-finals of the European Shield and beat Cardiff last season.

"We will continue to perform to the best of our ability under the terms of our contracts. "We're employed to get on with our jobs and if the club fulfil their contracts, we have to do the same.

"We want to ensure Ebbw Vale has a future. There is a huge desire all round and we know it's possible to go forward."