USK Rugby Football Club have called on the Welsh Rugby Union to revert back to witness-based hearings when dealing with thuggish behaviour in rugby games.

The move follows three serious injuries to Usk players last season, all, it is claimed, as a result of some poor discipline from the opposition.

One of those players, lock Hywell Williams, was forced to retire from the game after he suffered a fractured skull. Not one of those incidents, however, resulted in action being taken by the WRU, because there was no video evidence to support their case.

Usk RFC committee members agreed to the proposal put forward by former team manager Brian Williams at last month's meeting.

Representatives will now put it to the next District A meeting, where it is hoped other clubs will show support.

Mr Williams, Hywell Williams' father, is concerned that the WRU will not listen to evidence given by witnesses, and says that for the club's like Usk they just can't afford to purchase a video camera.

"There are some witnesses at games - supporters and committee members - who see incidents on the field, but are not allowed to give evidence at Welsh Rugby U hearings, because it must be done through video camera evidence," claimed Mr Williams.

"The discipline process is biased towards the top clubs, which is detrimental to the lower clubs like us. The highest courts in the land take evidence through witnesses, but the Welsh Rugby Union won't allow, it which seems absurd.

"All we want to do is look after our players and get the small minority of thugs out of the game," he added.

Hywell Jones was not the only player to suffer at the hands of poor discipline last season, according to Mr Williams.

Hooker Steve Bambridge was reportedly kicked in the face by a player, while it is alleged centre Alan Thomas was stamped on.

"We could do without these thugs on the field," added Mr Williams.

Speaking about the first team, Mr Williams said things are looking up.

"We have lost a couple of players, and we're still trying to put together a complete side, but our winger from two seasons ago, Emlyn Jones, is back, and so are a couple of other players, so I'm hopeful."