NEWPORT director of rugby Allan Lewis accuses Welsh rugby and British sport in general of acting like dinosaurs in their resistance to change.

"I still feel that we're acting like dinosaurs, we don't change and it's like that in all sports in Britain," said Lewis.

"If the Celtic League would be expanded, Wales could have four or five sides with a vibrant First Division under that.

"The traditional approach has got to change, everyone is hitting his head against a brick wall.

"You need now to look at a board to control the professional game. If you want to change you can overcome it.

"As it is, we've got a Victorian concept of sport in Britain."

But Newport coach Ian McIntosh and new signing Junior Tonu'u both urge a certain amount of caution.

"In New Zealand they keep their sides like Auckland and Canterbury, so it's important you don't lose your traditional names here," said McIntosh.

"But I remember from my time here in the 70s that it used to be the feeder system with the valleys used to feed into Cardiff and Newport, so they were almost like provincial sides."

Tonu'u did give a warning: "There is a danger. Club rugby is suffering in Auckland where there is now a second tier of players not getting the same level of rugby," he said.

"The standard is very low and people are saying they are concerned the Super 12 competition is ignoring them. It has to be monitored."

Shane Howarth says no-one liked the Super 12 when it started, but it grew in popularity.

"Everyone hated it and said they'd never watch it," he said. "But the rugby became so good that everyone wanted to watch it.

"Auckland had Counties with them and they don't like one another. Tradition here is a lot stronger than in New Zealand.

"As players we want this, but you keep hitting your head against the wall, no-one has got the foresight to do it.

"Maybe Ebbw Vale wouldn't like it, but they would have to bite the bullet and support it. But Newport would also go to Eugene Cross Park, that's the way forward."

McIntosh also claims there are two reasons for the Irish teams getting the better of Welsh sides in the Celtic League.

The record so far is a dismal two wins out of 12 for Welsh clubs, only Neath and Llanelli managing a win.

"I'm pretty new to this, but it seems to me that the Irish sides are keeping the ball more alive than we do whereas we stop ourselves," said McIntosh.

"And it should be remembered they are provincial sides playing club sides.

"Munster have got a lot of clubs representing them which reflects the depth they can call on.

"And they have got professionals that come in, so they've got the best of both worlds."