Case over says Lewis complainant

Roger Lewis has been WRU group chief executive for two years

Cross Keys secretary Chris Clarke says he will not be taking his complaint against Welsh Rugby Union group chief executive Roger Lewis any further.

The pair clashed after the WRU's annual meeting where there had been controversy over relegation policy.

Clarke complained about Lewis' behaviour and a WRU panel ruled Lewis' apology to Clarke was sufficient.

Clarke, who is Premier Division clubs' chairman, said he considered the matter was now closed.

On Wednesday, Lewis described his row with Clarke as a "storm in a tea cup".

Today, Clarke told the BBC: "The WRU do not deny the incident took place. There are standards in public life that have to be achieved.

"When they are not, they are open to recourse. I wanted the matter investigated and the WRU did so and they put out a carefully-worded statement and it did not say the situation never happened."

Lewis had said the pair had a "heated exchange", adding: "Passionate people say passionate things at passionate times.

"On the day, myself and Chris shook hands. This is a storm in a tea cup."

The contentious issue of reforming the Principality leagues had been discussed during the meeting in Aberavon.

And a motion to end automatic relegation from the Premiership was defeated.

Lewis added: "Afterwards, there were some upset people because the Premiership clubs didn't get what they wanted out of the AGM.

"I will always vigorously defend the constitution of the WRU and when that constitutional democratic process is challenged, I will vigorously defend it.

"I vigorously defended it after the AGM.

"There was an exchange of words and that was dealt with by the WRU and we move on."

A WRU panel, advised by president Dennis Gethin, said Lewis' apology to Clarke after the meeting had been sufficient.

A statement of behalf of Gethin, stated: "The President of the WRU, Dennis Gethin, looked into the points raised and has spoken to eight individuals who were present, including Mr Clarke and Mr Lewis.

"He has concluded that comments made by the secretary of the Cross Keys Rugby Football Club were regarded by Mr Lewis as a direct, personal insult and an insult to the Board of the WRU.

"Mr Lewis reacted to the comments in a heated exchange with Mr Clarke.

"Mr Lewis then attended a press conference but returned minutes later and apologised to Mr Clarke for his part in their conversation.

"The panel, advised by the President, has noted the apology and found, on behalf of the WRU, that this concludes the matter and no further action is necessary."

Lewis was appointed chief executive of the WRU in October 2006 and has had an eventful two years in charge of Welsh rugby.

He sacked coach Gareth Jenkins following a disappointing Rugby World Cup last year before appointing Warren Gatland.

Lewis then oversaw Wales' Grand Slam success earlier this year and he has been responsible for the restructuring of the Union's finances, with the WRU reporting operating profits for the past two years.