THE Welsh Rugby Union are prepared to take up the case of Newport outside half Shane Howarth with the International Board to try to get him eligible for Wales again in the New Year.

"I'd love to pull the jersey on again," said Howarth yesterday, nearly two years after being banned after the 'Grannygate' affair.

He had won 19 Wales caps, but because he could not prove his eligibility was stopped from playing.

His 're-qualification' date is May 14, having lived here for three years, but he will then run into a rule brought in by the IB preventing a player who has appeared for one country from turning out for another - Howarth has also played for New Zealand.

WRU secretary Dennis Gethin said: "Under the current rules of the International Rugby Board someone who has played for one country can't play for another in the future. "So could the player in this instance be declared eligible?

"The only way is for the IRB to consider the matter and perhaps exercise a discretion. I'll be quite happy to pursue it with the IRB."

Earlier Howarth, playing at outside half for Newport compared with full back for Wales, said of a possible Wales return: "I'd play wherever. I'd be an orange boy if needed. "But I'll see in March. If my form is good enough I'll make a phone call to see if I'm needed. It's not a major thought at the moment.

"I know I can play at full back, I'll be tugging at Mac (Newport coach Ian McIntosh) to see if I can play again at full back. I guess it would be my third Test debut."

But to clear Howarth, the IB would need to accept special circumstances after he won 19 caps for Wales.

*Sir Tasker Watkins' report into the future of Welsh rugby was not discussed at last night's Welsh Rugby Union general committee meeting but merely handed to members at the end for them to read.

The report will now be discussed at the next meeting on January 3 with any decision unlikely to be taken until the following meeting.

In between Sir Tasker will be available to discuss his report with clubs (who will receive their copies by Monday) through their district representatives.