Disgrace

Newport's 42-5 hiding was their heaviest Heineken Cup defeat in the three years they have been playing in the competition.

Brown accuses the players of picking up their pay cheques by false pretences and of showing a lack of interest, as well as letting the club, supporters and town down.

Newport's players are, on average, the highest paid in Welsh rugby and Brown feels bitterly disappointed after a string of unacceptable results.

Newport lost their first eight games of the season, rallied with four wins in a row and then got hammered in the London Irish return.

"There are two conclusions to draw," said Brown. "Either the team is good enough but not interested or the team is not good enough.

"Either way they are taking money under false pretences. That is not an allegation, it is a statement of fact.

"I got the impression that Sunday's match interfered with their weekend and that it was all a bit of a chore for them.

"Some didn't seem to be that interested. They ought to realise their responsibility to the supporters who deserved much better than they got.

"I've been let down, the supporters have been let down and the town has been let down.

"It needs someone to take a grip and tell them just what matters. I'd be very disappointed if the players are not aware of their responsibilities.

"London Irish were a team of no great stars, yet they seemed fitter and they had a far greater appetite for the game.

"If you look at our season we have had wins against Caerphilly and Borders and a narrow one against London Irish at home. The rest has been pretty bad and Sunday was as bad as it's been.

"There is only so much I can do and I've done as much as I can."

That ought to be a warning that not only is Brown's patience running out, but also his enthusiasm. He is scaling down his financial commitment already and is questioning his future involvement, certainly after next season.