DON'T panic is the message from Newport coach Ian McIntosh in the wake of the massive Joost van der Westhuizen let-down.

Being a former South Africa coach, McIntosh has extensive contacts Down Under and he's been in touch with one national coach about recruiting a possible replacement.

The problem is it's late in the day and the number of players available is strictly limited. So far he's come up with one New Zealander who is playing in England and one Australian who is playing in New Zealand, though both are only squad players.

"Obviously we need to find a replacement and time is short (the deadline for a player to qualify for the Heineken Cup is the end of next week), but the important thing is we mustn't panic," said McIntosh.

Meanwhile, van der Westhuizen's province, the Blue Bulls, have agreed to pay Newport their transfer fee back, though they won't come up with any compensation.

That, believes Newport chief executive Keith Grainger, is the player's responsibility. "I'm delighted they are going to repay the transfer fee, but Joost will be responsible for the direct costs we incurred," he said.

"He signed a contract, nobody else did so he is responsible."

Only one fan has asked for money back after the collapse of the move. "The public have been brilliant. One lady has enquired, and we said we would refund her, but she hasn't been in," said Grainger.

"It shows the public do understand we did everything to bring the player here." Newport set off for Cork today for tomorrow night's tough Celtic League clash against Munster which is being shown live on Eurosport (kick off 7.35pm).

Skipper Simon Raiwalui could be fit to lead the side after suffering a back injury. He could step in off the replacement's bench instead of Gareth Taylor.

Newport's game at Neath a week Saturday at the Gnoll kicks off at 5.30pm, also being shown live on television. It will be preceded by an under-21 fixture between the sides.