WELSH rugby is in danger of drowning in a sea of excuses and negativity claims Ebbw Vale financial backer Marcus Russell.

He is furious with Cardiff backer Peter Thomas for claiming talent among the leading clubs was spread too thinly and fewer teams were needed at the top end.

"Everyone is saying we've had poor performances in the Celtic League, and we're very reticent about the chances of our leading clubs in the Heineken Cup," said Russell.

"Peter Thomas is saying it's because there are too many professional players spread across too many clubs.

"That is a shortsighted and apologist view. He's giving excuses to Cardiff to fail. I'm sure Tony Brown and Leighton Samuel (Newport and Bridgend backers) would not agree and would not accept poor performances.

"The logical conclusion of what Peter Thomas is saying is that poor performances and our shortage of confidence is because of the continued existence of professional clubs in the valleys, like Ebbw Vale and Pontypridd.

"The implication is that if Cardiff get one or two players from these clubs they will be blazing a trail. That's absolute rubbish. It's yet another excuse without giving the real reasons why we are not doing well."

Russell believes English and Irish sides are ahead of Wales in attitude and preparation.

"English and Irish teams are not winning because they are better paid players but because they are better prepared mentally and physically. One thing which is true, our players are over played which affects preparation.

"We have got to learn from coaching techniques in England and Ireland. That relies on a more scientific approach to fitness with the advent of nutrition, lifestyle and sophisticated performance analysis, as well as an overall more professional approach in players' attitude.

"All we do is blame the structure and finances. If Ebbw Vale fail in the European Shield we will not blame it on too many clubs, we'll look to within. Peter Thomas is out of touch with other owners by implying the reason we fail is by spreading it too thinly. It's defeatism before we start."

* Bridgend boss Leighton Samuels says he wouldn't rule out players being withheld from international duty in a dispute with the WRU. The WRU have not yet paid the Premier clubs the money promised for the current season while top players have not yet signed new national contracts.