The Dragons will not re-emerge as a Newport stand-alone club WRU chief David Moffett

The Welsh Rugby Union chief executive is appalled at the off-field crisis the regional side finds itself in.

But Moffett warns that the financial problems will not allow Newport owner Tony Brown to seize sole control of the region if partners Ebbw Vale are forced out.

"Through the complete mismanagement by both these organisations, the players find themselves coming under an administrator," Moffett said.

"It was unfortunately inevitable. Newport and Ebbw Vale have been so dysfunctional since almost the day they set up.

"But I can absolutely guarantee that the Dragons will not re-emerge as a Newport stand-alone club.

"Both Tony Brown and (Newport president) Martyn Hazell have been told that ad nauseam.

"If this is part of some ploy to achieve that then they know - because they've heard it from me - that won't succeed.

"We are committed to regional rugby in the Gwent region, we want it to be successful."

Moffett is at least impressed with what coach Mike Ruddock has achieved on the pitch, praising the players for getting on with the job despite the uncertainty.

Dragons opt for administration

Five fringe players have already been offered terms for their release as part of proposed financial cuts.

"It's very sad because the players are the ones who will be very worried through no fault of their own," Moffett added.

"We're going to be taking our time to determine what we should do next, we have got some serious concerns that will be put to the administrators.

"You've got a team there - even with all the off-field shenanigans - that are currently fourth in the Celtic League.

"That is due entirely to Mike Ruddock, his coaching staff and the players, and unfortunately the off-field people can take no credit for it.

"We want to see regional rugby prosper right across Wales, including in Gwent.

"It should have in Gwent because they were first out of the blocks, but then I'm really not quite sure what happened."