Rugby Union: Rebels closer to expulsion

THE REBEL clubs Cardiff and Swansea have come closer to expulsion from the Welsh league after failing to pay fines to the Welsh Rugby Union by yesterday's deadline.

The WRU imposed pounds 150,000 penalties after the clubs refused to sign 10- year loyalty agreements in September. Cardiff and Swansea continued to play in the Welsh Cup. but relinquished Premier Division status to play a series of friendlies against England's Allied Dunbar Premiership One clubs.

Their refusal to pay the fines makes it more likely that the WRU will suspend them pending the annual meeting in June when their formal expulsion is to be confirmed.

A WRU statement issued yesterday said: "Cardiff RFC and Swansea RFC have failed to meet the 28 February deadline set for them by the Welsh Rugby Union to pay the financial penalties imposed on them for their cross- border activities.

"The union's general committee will meet on 11 March to decide what measures to take in respect of that failure. In the meantime, no further statements will be issued."