NEWPORT are ready to condemn scrum half Joost Van der Westhuizen to the rugby wilderness after his 11th-hour decision not to join the club.

The South African star today apologised to the club and fans for deciding to stay on in South Africa to ensure his place in the 2003 World Cup despite signing a one-year contract to play at Rodney Parade.

But Newport, who yesterday called his actions "shameful", today confirmed they were seeking legal advice to recover "substantial" costs over the aborted transfer and said he could not play for the Blue Bulls until they had been recovered.

Meanwhile, suggestions that Jonah Lomu could be the next big target of Newport supremo Tony Brown can be discounted.

The urgent need remains a new scrum half before the Heineken Cup qualification deadline at the end of next week and the club are scouring the Southern Hemisphere.

"We are seeking legal advice regarding the recovery of the transfer fee paid to the Blue Bulls and the substantial other costs we have incurred," confirmed Newport chief executive Keith Grainger today.

"Joost van der Westhuizen basically led us up the garden path and has to face the consequences.

"We are seeking to recover a five-figure sum and, meanwhile, he cannot play for or even train with the Blue Bulls until this is sorted out and we have released him from his contract."

And Grainger answered van der Westhuizen own wish that he might join Newport after 2003 when he said: "I'll never wear a jersey with the name of Joost on the back. "We'll also refund anyone in full if they have bought the Joost jersey."

Explaining his change of heart about joining the Black and Ambers, van der Westhuizen said: "Initially I was excited at the prospect of a change of environment at club and provincial level.

"I understood it would be possible to play for Newport and return for the latter part of the Currie Cup and challenge for a place in the Springbok team.

"However, South African regulations do not allow this. It was made clear to me I'd have to play my rugby in this country if I wanted to play for the Boks.

"I want nothing more than to play for South Africa, I want to continue playing Test rugby and nothing has given me a greater thrill than playing for the Springboks and I believe I can add value in the next two years.

"I've spoken to Tony Brown (Newport's financial backer) and he said he would respect my decision. I'm quite disappointed because Newport treated me outstandingly and I respect them for that."

Told about all the fans who had bought tickets and merchandise on the back of him joining Newport, he reacted: "I didn't realise that. I would say to the fans 'thank you for supporting Newport in the first place' and sorry I didn't come - maybe in the future."

Lomu has said he is open to offers to play in England with Leeds already offering him a dual contract to play in the their union Tykes and Super League Rhinos outfits.

But Lomu's talked-up move to Britain is believed to be a ploy to get a better offer from New Zealand when his contract runs out this year.

Meanwhile, the Newport staff spent much of yesterday removing banners and posters with van der Westhuizen's pictures and taking jerseys bearing his name out of stock.

The club have sold a record 4,500 season tickets, many of them on the back of the player joining the club.