Race storm as Newport claim Ulster crowd targeted Brew

Newport Dragons will today call for an investigation into allegations that Ulster spectators racially abused Wales wing Aled Brew in Belfast at the weekend.

A written complaint will be made to the Ulster club and the Celtic League over incidents during the match at Ravenhill.

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Newport allege that their black wing, capped against Ireland a fortnight ago, was targeted on more than one occasion.

"We are shocked, angry and disappointed this has happened," said Dragons chief executive Gethin Jenkins.

"This kind of behaviour is not acceptable in society and cannot be acceptable in rugby. We want steps taken to ensure that it is not condoned and does not happen again."

Newport officials and players claim spectators shouted: "Get the f****** n***** off the pitch."

"That sort of thing was said more than once," said Jenkins. "Several comments were made and one player was targeted. We spoke to the players about it at half-time and reported it to the referee.

"It was good to see Aled respond in the best way possible by scoring a try."

The row comes within a month of the bust-up in Toulouse when their Irish forward Trevor Brennan attacked an Ulster fan during a European Cup tie. Brennan claimed he had been provoked by insults hurled about his mother.

No action was taken against Ulster's Matt McCullough after alleged racist remarks to London Irish full back Delon Armitage.

A tribunal ruled that a prima facie case had not been established.

Ospreys' full back Lee Byrne and wing Shane Williams played themselves back into contention for Wales during a 31-10 home win over Connacht.

Wales, forced to replace Kevin Morgan at full back while he recovers from a broken jaw, name their team today for Saturday's match against France in Paris.

Wales scrum half Mike Phillips, 24, is quitting Cardiff Blues to join Ospreys after agreeing a £180,000-a-year deal.

The Scottish Rugby Union are exploring the possibility of forming a professional London-based team to play in the Magners League.