Welsh receive 'offers of help'

The London Welsh chairman, Bleddyn Phillips, said yesterday the club had received promises of financial support and stadium offers in their quest for Aviva Premiership status. The Exiles' appeal against a decision barring their promotion is set to be heard in London on 21 June.

Welsh won this season's Championship but they were told they did not meet minimum standards for Premiership entry.

Phillips said that the club had received "overwhelming" support. "This includes not only the general rugby-supporting public, but owners and managers of Premiership clubs and other rugby clubs, as well as leaders of clubs in the Football League and other sporting institutions," he said. "These offers of help and encouragement extend not only to promises of financial and professional support, but also... sporting venues as stadia where London Welsh might wish to play 'home' games in 2012-13."