NEWPORT claim Neath's attempt to field newly signed outside half Lee Jarvis in their line-up for Sunday's Principality Cup final would have damaged morale.

Neath made an audacious bid to play Jarvis on permit in the final, but they were denied by the Welsh Rugby Union and Jarvis' current club Pontypridd, though Neath later claimed they decided not to go ahead anyway.

It all arose from the doubt over Patrick Horgan, normally a scrum half but who has made a success of the outside half role, because of a knee injury.

Neath went for Jarvis, though they have two other outside halves in their squad in South African Greg Miller and youngster Dylan Pugh.

"It would have had a damaging effect on morale to go outside the squad if one of our players was injured," said Newport team manager Jim McCreedy. But the move was scuppered by the WRU and Pontypridd.

The Union claimed that as Jarvis had not been registered before December 31 to play in the cup he was not eligible.

Pontypridd chief executive Gareth Thomas said: "The rules do not allow for it, it can't happen."

It is also understood that Pontypridd, to whom Jarvis is under contract until the end of the month, also refused Neath a permit.

Welsh/Scottish League champions Swansea wrapped up their season with a 35-20 victory over Bridgend last night, Bridgend's defeat ensuring that Newport finish in fourth place.

Cardiff veterans Mike Rayer and Owain Williams end their careers tonight in the match against Caerphilly.