NEWPORT owner Tony Brown says there is no reason why clubs like Pontypool and Newbridge should not be involved in the Gwent side playing in the Heineken Cup and Celtic League next season.

After warning yesterday the game in Wales can afford only four sides, one a merged Newport-Ebbw Vale outfit, Brown says the scope of the side can be widened further.

He says there is no reason the other major Gwent clubs can't be involved.

"Clubs would prefer to operate as clubs and if we can retain some of Newport and Ebbw Vale's identity we would prefer to do that than have a province," said Brown.

"Without Marcus Russell there would not be an Ebbw Vale and without the board here Rodney Parade would be a supermarket.

"The discussions so far have been between the premier clubs, but there is no reason why we shouldn't talk to the Pontypools or Newbridges to make it all encompassing so that we can unite."

Despite the fact that Newport Supporters Club are now launching a petition for the club to stand alone in any future structure, Brown says it is important people end self-interest.

"There has to be some compromise. It can't be 100% Newport, it doesn't work that way. Ebbw Vale are a proud club too.

"I hope the people of Gwent think Marcus Russell and I are acting in their best interests.

"Both clubs are responsible for player contracts and there will be no reneging.

"There is a tremendous amount of individual loyalty to clubs, but we have got to try to move the game forward.

"We haven't got a hope in hell of going forward as we are, but if everyone who cares about the game can forget self interest there is a chance Wales can thrive again.

"We have got to think there is light at the end of the tunnel. I'm aware of how tribal it is and there is tremendous loyalty there, but sometimes you have got to forget that and try to take the game forward."

Brown insists there can only be four teams at the top end of the game, but he repeats he will not end his involvement.

"There is a general recognition that there is enough funding for four clubs," he said. "We can't go on as we are, the WRU have relied on benefactors who have put in over £15m since the game went professional.

"I wouldn't walk away, I have a responsibility, but I'm 66 and I didn't think it would take over my life. I hope to take more of a back seat.

"Now is crunch time or we'll be in even bigger trouble. There is a realism we cannot go on as we are.It took David Moffett to come in and state the facts as they are instead of the rubbish that has come out of the WRU for the last five years."