THE Welsh Rugby Union last night stated that they are taking legal advice with a view to recovering a six figure sum they believe they lost when the Rugby Football Union called off the scheduled Anglo Welsh champions' doubleheader.

The RFU revealed on Tuesday that the scheduled games between Bath and Neath at Twickenham on August 31st, and the clash between Pontypridd and Leicester at Cardiff Arms Park the following day were both being shelved.

But the WRU, Neath and Pontypridd have reacted angrily with a joint statement that contains the prospect of legal action.

The statement reads "Both the WRU and the clubs concerned express their dismay at the unilateral decision of the RFU to cancel the agreed matches between the English and the Welsh league and cup winners.

"On July 10th 1996, the final details of the games were agreed at a meeting held at Twickenham. The WRU and their clubs have progressed with contracts and, as a consequence, incurred considerable expense. Sponsorship and television coverage had been agreed and tickets for the Cardiff match had gone on sale. The cancellation of the matches was made without any consultation with either the clubs or the WRU.

"The WRU are taking legal advice to recover losses incurred in excess of £100,000."

Also, Orrell are to press for compensation against the RFU, even though they will benefit from the cancellation of the Anglo Welsh double header.

Their plum match with English champions Bath will now take place on Saturday, August 31st, but Orrell are claiming that they do not have enough time to attract full sponsorship.