MARCUS RUSSELL hopes a merger between his Ebbw Vale club and Newport can move a step further to completion after a meeting between professional clubs and new Welsh Rugby Union group chief executive David Moffett on Wednesday.

Eugene Cross Park chairman Russell has also called on clubs throughout the Principality to act together and not in their own interests.

Russell and Newport backer Tony Brown have already had talks about the two Gwent clubs joining forces in a merged side.

Russell said: "The talks so far have been focused, realistic and productive.

"We are now ready to take the plan forward to the next stage i.e. identifying players and personnel, but urgently require confirmation from the WRU of our central income stream from TV contracts, sponsorship and European rugby etc. for next season."

And he has called on the Union to get their act together quickly so that people know where they stand for 2003.

Russell said: "I live in hope there will be significant progress at Wednesday's meeting of the professional clubs and the WRU and that an overall solution will not be held up by the self interest of one or two clubs to continue to live in a fantasy world, one where everyone has to undergo change for the sake of Welsh rugby - except themselves.

"I'd like to think that by Wednesday we can give notice of a meeting of all season ticket holders and interested parties to explain further how the ideas being formulated by talks between Newport and Ebbw Vale would work, and of course, to take on board those views and how the ideas can be improved."

The Steelmen's chairman is also ready to accept clubs continuing in the game on their own but reckons that is foolhardy.

Russell added: "If a particular club feel they can afford to stand alone without the financial benefits of consolidating, then so be it.

"Good luck to them trying to survive on the same inadequate WRU income as they get this season.

"Similarly, we cannot afford to contemplate the WRU's half-developed idea of centrally contracted provinces as it will lead to a trail of broken contracts and litigations with no one able or willing to pick up the enormous bills. "It will create a meltdown of the professional game."