NEWPORT coach Ian McIntosh has warned that Welsh rugby has got to consolidate 'or the future is bleak'.

He still hopes for some part in the future of Newport, even if he is no longer full-time coach next season.

He believes it is vital in the meetings which are still to be held on the future of Welsh rugby that a slimdown operation is brought in.

"To improve we have got to consolidate by bringing top players into top sides. If we weaken any more I worry for the future," he said.

"People don't realise the difference between amateur and professional.

"Being professional is about putting strong sides on the field for the supporters and for television to perform well, but amateurism is about letting everyone play rugby.

"I don't believe a lot of us have gripped professionalism like in rugby league or Aussie rules.

"It's a business and you don't run a business at a loss just to keep people happy." McIntosh added: "I haven't ruled out being here in some capacity next season, but in a different role to my current one. Negotiations are going on and should come to a head soon.

"The nucleus of the side has re-signed for next season."

McIntosh insists Newport have got the Cardiff cup game out of their system and will now concentrate on winning the league title for the first time.

Leaders Newport have six games left, starting with Neath at Rodney Parade tomorrow night.

"Cardiff was a knock, but we've got to forget about it like a golfer putting at the Masters," he said.

"Neath are playing good rugby and will be a very hard side to beat.

"But we have lost only two games in the league and I don't want to tamper with things when they have gone right.

"Jonathan Pritchard has played some good games while some people talk about Matthew Watkins at centre, but I believe he can become one of the most exciting wings in the game."

Mike Voyle is not quite fit from his back injury while Llyr Lane is back for injured Dale Burn, so the Newport replacements are Chris Anthony, Paul Young, Joe Powell, Alix Popham, Ben Breeze, Jason Strange and Lane.

Third-placed Neath rest Lee Jarvis, Andy Moore, Allan Bateman, Duncan Jones, Barry Williams and Brett Sinkinson, all of whom are on the bench.

Neath: G Morris, K James, J Storey, D Tiueti, S Dewdney, S Connor, P Horgan, P Jones, S Jones, A Millward, A N Other, G Llewellyn, A Mocelutu, R Phillips, S Tandy. Replacements: A Bateman, L Jarvis, A Moore, D Jones, B Williams, S Martin, B Sinkinson. 7.30pm.