POLITICIANS are rushing to support Newport Rugby Club and the supporters' association in their efforts to ensure the Newport name is included in the title of the new regional team.

MPs Paul Flynn and Alan Howarth have joined the campaign started by the supporters club last Saturday when over 3,200 names were gathered in one day at one site.

Also joining in are Newport Welsh Assembly members Rose-mary Butler and John Griffiths, as well as Roy Hughes, now Lord Islwyn, former MP and lifelong rugby fan. And Newport councillors Ron Jones, Matthew Hatton-Evans, Les Knight, Ken Critchley, Ken Powell, John Guy and David Mayer have all added their names to the campaign.

Flynn said: "Accepting that regional rugby is unpalatable but now unavoidable I strongly believe the name of Newport must survive in the new name.

"The contribution that Newport will make in the regional team will be overwhelming in history, ground, support, location and finance.

"As a season ticket holder at Rodney Parade I hope the revival of recent years can be carried over into the new regional set-up and our strong case must be heard."

Howarth told the Argus: "The rugby club is emblematic of our community, and there is huge pride inthe achievements of recent years.

"It's inevitable there will be changes, but it is extremely important the name of Newport is preserved. It would be right on behalf of the community as a tribute to the history of the club."

And John Griffiths said: "I remain totally disillusioned and share the concerns of those supporters seeking to retain the Newport identity and colours."

There is deadlock between the joint regional partners, with Marcus Russell, Ebbw Vale chairman, insisting the name of the new team is Gwent, but Newport benefactor Tony Brown and Martin Hazell, who often represents him in talks, demanding the name of Newport be included.

"It has to be done on a commercial basis because without the Newport supporters this is dead in the water," said Hazell.

Brown says that without agreement on the title no progress can be made on a marketing or sponsorship front. He now acknowledges that WRU group chief executive David Moffett, who returns from holiday next week, will have to mediate.

A block has been put on any new signings, though a top overseas player wants to come if the Newport name is retained, and there is also a financial impasse from possible backers because of all the uncertainty.