RUGBY'S future is at stake if disciplinary problems continue at their present alarming rate.

That was the stark warning put forward by Welsh rugby chiefs at a media conference yesterday called to highlight the increasing problems in the game.

Wales coach Gareth Jenkins, WRU chief executive Steve Lewis and Peter Owens, in charge of under-19 rugby, all expressed their concern.

Giving out figures of 139 junior or youth players who had been sent off last season and 100 cases of abuse of referees or breaches of the Union's code of conduct by coaches, officials, parents and spectators, Owens added that there have been 47 cases in the first six weeks of this season.

Offences ranged from a player running 20 yards to kick someone in the head resulting in the victim spending a week in hospital worrying whether he would see again; seven different players sent off in one game after a running fight; a coach at under-11 level attacking one of the players and taken off only by physical intervention, and coaches taking teams off the field when they disagreed with a referee's decision.

"We are talking about serious problems of indiscipline and I worry about the future of the game," said Owens. "If we have a generation of players growing up thinking it's acceptable to step over the boundary the future of the game has got severe problems."

Jenkins interrupted a training session with the Wales squad to add his weight to the concerns about discipline.

"It's hugely disappointing," he said. "We've got to challenge it and do something about it. I'm appealing to coaches in particular who have to question themselves whether they should continue in the game.

"We need them, but they've got a huge responsibility as well. Everyone has got to be honest and ask themselves Am I able to be responsible?' "Coaches can be banned just the same as players and we must not be afraid to take them out of the game.

"The Grand Slam had a fantastic effect, there was so much of the feelgood factor but we mustn't be frightened by this. We have got to find a way, this is our national sport and the situation is intolerable."

Lewis admitted about the figures, "This can be seen as a manifestation of society in general" but he stressed, "It is still not acceptable and we will adopt a zero tolerance towards it.

"Parents have a key role, but there is only one chance at this - if you or your parents don't behave you will be banned. Parents have to realise they have a huge responsibility."

Ian Evans, the promising Wales lock, also attended to show how a double sending off had affected his career already.

"I missed out on a Heineken Cup game against Stade Francais and the last Six Nations, putting doubts in my mind whether I would be selected again," he said.

"I was also concerned that I would have a reputation. It's a fine line with aggression and it could have a negative effect on me and the team.

"Not being a role model towards the youngsters coming through isn't the way forward. You have got to keep a cool head and control, going out and thumping anyone is not good, it brings the game into disrepute and has a negative effect on everyone. And no-one wants to referee if everyone is fighting."