WELSH rugby's race row descended into a pantomime yesterday as the sports minister and the WRU issued a series of contradictory statements.

Minister Jenny Randerson started the ball rolling as she made a statement to the National Assembly following our investigations into racist abuse suffered by Newport's Ofisa Tonu'u (pictured) during the Principality Cup match against Bonymaen.

In her speech Ms Randerson claimed the WRU were NOT investigating claims of racist abuse against Bonymaen prop Nigel Evans - banned for just 14 days by his club after the Tonu'u incident - because there had been no formal complaint from Newport. But the WRU told the Argus a week ago they would investigate because Tonu'u was unhappy with the way the matter had been dealt with.

They confirmed their stance again after Ms Randerson's statement - but changed their minds just minutes later.

The WRU now say they are happy to investigate - but can only do so once they receive a written complaint from Newport. The club have already made a verbal approach to the Union.

Newport owner Tony Brown today confirmed the club's internal inquiry into the incident was continuing and a decision on whether to make a written complaint to the WRU was likely within 24 hours.

Newport East's John Griffiths, the AM who persuaded the minister to make a statement on the issue, questioned why the WRU had told the Argus one thing and the minister another.

He said: "In your statement the WRU said they had received no complaint from the clubs. The Argus, which has campaigned on this issue, was told the WRU would investigate regardless of whether there was a complaint from the club.

"Personally, I think the WRU should investigate and take action because of the public concern and seriousness regardless of whether either club has complained."

In reply Ms Randerson ducked the issue: "There is some divergence between reports in the press and the views given to me in preparing for this statement." Mr Griffiths insisted the WRU should act fast.

"Welsh rugby has a good record," he said, "but this issue needs to be dealt with effectively if we're to avoid the game being brought into disrepute. The WRU needs to act and act quickly."

Plaid Cymru spokesman Owen John Thomas said he would be writing to Tonu'u to express solidarity with the international scrum half.