WRU Chief Executive Dennis Gethin: "Touting is something I and the WRU absolutely detest"

Meanwhile, a small number of World Cup tickets for the Wales v Japan match were expected to go on sale on Tuesday morning through a London ticket agency, while tickets for the Japan v Samoa were on offer at Wrexham's Racecourse ground.

The WRU has come under fire for its method of distributing tickets for the Rugby World Cup.

Telephone lines for tickets to watch the Wales v Argentina match were flooded by fans, with the 2,000 tickets on offer sold within the hour.

Rugby fan Cliff Evans: "Rugby fans would like to get hold of tickets but can't"

Many, though, complained about the system and even people logging on to the Internet to buy allocations were unhappy with the arrangements.

The tickets were put on sale to members of the public after the bulk had been allocated to hospitality companies, tour operations and rugby clubs.

A BBC Wales investigation found that touts were advertising tickets at hugely inflated prices for the final and other key games.

Mr Gethin said such a practice was the focus of talks with Consumer Affairs Minister Kim Howells.

"Touting is something that I and the WRU absolutely detest," said Mr Gethin.

WRU Chief Executive Dennis Gethin: "We had 350,000 calls in one day"

"Tickets do get into the wrong hands and are sold at these ridiculous prices.

"What we do insist on is that no ticket should be passed on at more than its face value, although if it does, it is not a criminal offence."

Mr Gethin went on to defend the system of selling on the remaining 2,000 tickets for the Wales v Argentina game through a ticket line.

"I can understand fans frustration," said Mr Gethin.

"Before the France game, we had 350,000 calls in one day, and I don't think any system in the world could cope with that demand.

"I would like to point out that under the rules of the WRU, tickets are first offered to debenture holders and club members.

"If they are not taken up fully, the tickets are put on sale to members of the public."

A small number of tickets will go on sale on Tuesday morning for the Wales v Japan game with ticket fans asked to telephone 0870 909 1999.