The Welsh Rugby Union today admitted they were ``extremely disappointed'' with Keiron Cunningham's decision not to make the switch from rugby league.

Cunningham, who captained Wales in last week's 42-33 defeat by England in Wrexham, has signed a two-year extension to his St Helens contract in preference to a four-year deal with Swansea, which would have been jointly-funded by club and country.

``We put together the best possible package for Keiron and we were keen to give him the chance to play rugby union at the highest level,'' said WRU chairman Glanmor Griffiths.

``After lengthy negotiations a deal had been struck between Swansea and the WRU on the one hand and St Helens and Keiron on the other hand, and we understood that all that was left was for the player's signature.

``We felt he could, in time, prove himself a world-class union player, gracing the biggest stages of the game, playing at the Millennium Stadium and in the Six Nations Championship and 2003 Rugby World Cup.

``Our understanding was that he was extremely keen to be given the chance for the new challenge of playing rugby union and his decision is a big disappointment for everyone in Wales.''

Cunningham claimed he has followed his heart in turning his back on a switch to union, but the WRU still hope to unveil Leeds skipper Iestyn Harris, who is Cardiff bound, at a news conference at the Millennium Stadium tomorrow.

Griffiths said: ``We wanted to give the Welsh rugby public and our national coach, Graham Henry, a high quality player to watch and work with but we respect Keiron's decision not to leave St Helens.

``However, we remain interested in any quality player who is qualified to play for Wales and we will continue to vigorously pursue that policy in the best interests of Welsh rugby.''