The Welsh Rugby Union has had limited success appealing a points deduction and fine imposed on the Under-20 team after a mass brawl against France.

The on-field clash marred Wales' last-gasp win over France in Swansea on 14 June, part of the International Rugby Board Junior World Championship.

Both sides were to start the 2009 and 2010 tournaments on minus three points and faced a �50,000 suspended fine.

Now the points cut will only apply in 2009 and a �30,000 fine is to be paid.

606: DEBATE Is the IRB points punishment for Wales and France too harsh?

"In terms of our standing in the world, last year at Under-19 level and this year at Under-20 we've finished in the world top four and that's very promising," said WRU chairman David Pickering.

"But what's also very promising is the number of people coming through, some of whom have started playing regional rugby - people like Dan Biggar, Sam Warburton, Darren Evans, Gareth Owen and Jonathan Davies.

"These are all people playing some form of regional rugby and it's very encouraging that they are making a stand on the world stage.

"There is still some way to go, but some of the systems and structures we have put in place - such as the academy set-up we put in place four years ago - are paying dividends."