Welsh are relegated to save red faces

Rugby League

South Wales have been relegated from Super League without ever throwing a pass or taking a tackle. The Cardiff-based club were accepted into Super League for next season, subject to conditions on finance and playing strength, only two months ago. But a meeting of the Rugby League Council yesterday reversed that decision by inviting them to compete in the First Division instead.

"From the information they gave us, they would have been doomed to ignominy in Super League," the league's chief executive, Maurice Lindsay, said. "We are concerned about the availability of some of the players they say they are hoping to sign. It would not do the game any good if they were to be sent into oblivion after one season."

The team behind the South Wales club, including the Welsh national coach, Clive Griffiths, were told of the council's decision last night. They will now have to decide whether to swallow the pill, sweetened with an offer of pounds 250,000 to help them build up to the standard needed to win promotion into Super League under their own steam.

The council meeting also agreed a revised allocation of money from News Corporation for next season with Super League and First Division clubs getting slightly more and those in the Second Division marginally less. Apart from the saving involved in South Wales not being in Super League, the league has put extra income from sponsorship and television rights into the pot to keep clubs sweet.

St Helens have officially joined Sheffield in pursuit of Warrington's pounds 1.35m listed Iestyn Harris. "We are not cash rich, but we would kick ourselves if we missed a chance to sign Iestyn," their chief executive, David Howes, said.

Saints' Apollo Perelini has become the first winner of the Rugby League Writers Association's player of the year award.