WELSH sports minister Jenny Randerson is to meet with Welsh rugby chiefs in an effort to speed up moves to restructure the game.

Ms Randerson was put on the spot by Gwent AMs Lynne Neagle and John Griffiths during question time at the National Assembly yesterday.

Ms Neagle, AM for Torfaen, praised the efforts of Pontypool in reaching the quarter finals of the Principality Cup and she urged the minister to do what she could to ensure that any restructuring does not have a negative impact on teams outside the premier division.

Ms Randerson said: "I understand your concerns about the future of rugby clubs not in the premier division. I share your desire to congratulate Pontypool. It's very important that we do celebrate the achievementss we have because there's excellence throughtout the game and we mustn't allow problems at national level to overshadown that."

Newport East AM John Griffiths, a supporter of the Black and Ambers, asked what role the minister could play in the current indecision over the future of the game at the top level.

"Recent events give little confidence that radical restructuring will take place with the urgency required," he said.

Mrs Randerson said: "I share your concern and I'm very concerned about the delay in implementing the reforms proposed in the Tasker Watkins report. I will be meeting figures from the rugby world shortly. The First Minister shares my concern and is taking a close interest in the matter."

Rhodri Morgan is a regular at the Arms Park in Cardiff and has even been known to make special arrangements to see international matches.