THE Welsh Rugby Union have become involved in another row with member clubs - this time over when they will hold the extraordinary meeting (EGM) called for yesterday in the wake of 'Ruddockgate'.

The WRU say they will meet next Thursday to discuss the EGM request after confirming late yesterday such a request had been received from the required ten or more clubs.

The WRU board say they are seeking legal advice but claim they must respond to the request within 21 days and that any meeting must be called within 28 days thereafter.

However, the spokesman for the 13 clubs who signed the EGM request, Howard Watkins of Chepstow, a former board member, says the Union are wrong and that the meeting must be held within 21 days of the request (by April 21).

"Everyone at the Union knows this," he said. "The articles of association demand it. They are just being arrogant."

David Rees, secretary of Bridgend, one of the clubs who signed the EGM request, agreed and said: "If they (the Union) go down that route they will be in real bother and risk further alienating the clubs.

"We are not rebel clubs, we are shareholders of the Union anxious to see our Union run in accordance with the articles of association."

Both men say the EGM must be held before the April 23 Millennium Stadium special general meeting (SGM) called by the Union yesterday to discuss the position of group chief executive vacated by David Moffett.

The non-replacement of Moffett is one of the issues the clubs requesting the EGM will put before the meeting before calling for a vote of no confidence in the whole board.

The other issues are:

1. The appointment of directors the Union allegedly doesn't have the power to appoint.

2. The allocation of international tickets, which should all go to the clubs

3. The general governance and management of the Union.

Mr Watkins declined to say which clubs had signed the EGM request, saying they came from all regions of the Union, but it is understood five Gwent clubs are among them.