THE Welsh Rugby Union say they will be monitoring transfers after Jason Strange's move to Newport from Pontypool.

The Wales A outside-half joined the Black and Ambers from Pooler two weeks after Strange switched to Pontypool from Ebbw Vale.

The 27-year-old wanted to leave the steelmen because he did not want to go through another period of re-building - but Vale did not want to transfer him to another Premier League club, hence the move to division one Pontypool.

However, Strange wanted to play top-flight rugby and when Newport swooped he left Pontypool Park for Rodney Parade.

Pontypool allowed Strange to leave their Gwent rivals saying his transfer was a "commercial decision."

A WRU spokesman said: "Without knowing the full details of the transfer it is very difficult to comment.

"But, as with all transfers, we will monitor this particular switch and any other transfers that take place.

"There might not be anything wrong with this transfer and if there is we will look into it." Meanwhile, Chiefs at Eugene Cross Park say they are not bitter with Strange's move to their fierce Gwent and Premier League rivals.

Ebbw Vale chief executive Tony Dilloway said: "We don't feel any bitterness towards Jason.

"We transferred Jason to Pontypool and if they transfer him to Newport then there you are. Ebbw Vale will just wait for some compensation which was in the deal when Jason signed for Pontypool from us."

First published on Friday 17 August 2001: