PONTYPOOL team manager Tony Clark has launched a scathing attack on the Welsh Rugby Union.

Never one to mince his words, Clark has lambasted Welsh rugby's ruling body for 'sending the country's national sport into turmoil.

"It's an antiquated old-pals act running Welsh rugby. It's not the WRU I have a problem with, it's the people running it - they need a wake up call," said Clark.

"They seem to be backing the chosen few in the Premier Division and all the other members are left to fend for themselves."

Clark said the WRU had offered no support to the club setting up an under-21 side or any solution to the drama surrounding promotion and relegation to the Premier Division. He said he had serious doubts whether promotion would still be available at the end of this season.

"It's apparent they are only supporting a select few clubs," he said. "All the other clubs have to stand up and be counted. As for promotion, we cannot get a comprehensive answer from the WRU. I am calling on the clubs to stand up against the WRU." Pontypool remain outraged over the Stuart Lawrence transfer saga.

"Stuart was not able to commit himself to Caerphilly in the Premiership because of his job, but they will not let him join us. They initially said he could join on dual registration and then a full transfer, but have now backed out of this. We've told the union, but they are treading water. If it was a lower league player moving to a Premier club they would step in," Clark claimed.

Pontypool have now put the case into the hands of their solicitors. But in a written statement to the Argus the WRU refuted Clark's claims, saying: "Mr Clark can be reassured that the Welsh Rugby Union does not favour a few, and indeed gives all nine of its Premiership clubs equal funding. He can also be re-assured that clubs in Division One will all be treated the same if or when the time comes to establish under-21 teams.

"Mr Clark will have been aware from the beginning of the season that as long as the Premier Division remains at nine clubs for next season, the team finishing as champions will be involved in a play-off for promotion with the team finishing bottom of the Welsh Scottish League.

"Mr Clark will also be aware that player transfer requests have to follow laid down procedures. The criteria for Stuart Lawrence's transfer from Caerphilly to Pontypool have now been met and the player is therefore available for selection for his new club." Clark said the club had received no confirmation of the latter.

He added: "We should have one representative from each of the eight divisions working together. That way they would have all their interests at heart. At the moment too many clubs are being neglected."

He claimed Welsh rugby's Premier clubs were cherry picking players from the lower divisions and letting them waste on the touchlines. "The best way forward is for them to stay with their local clubs and work their way to the top," he said.

If Pooler make it to Welsh rugby's top flight, Clark is confident they will survive. "We have a coaching structure as good as any other leading club. On the back of promotion we would have a massive sponsorship injection," he said.

He also believes Pontypool's current crop of players would provide the perfect platform to build on, but admitted other signings would be needed.

*PICTURED: WRU chairman Glanmor Griffiths.