KEIRON Cunningham has hit back at accusations he doesn't qualify for Wales and has even produced his grandfather's birth certificate which clearly states he was born in Holywell. Great Britain star Cunningham turned down a move to Swansea last week to sign a new four year deal with St Helens.

But the Welsh RU have claimed Cunningham changed his mind about a move to union because he could not produce his grandparents birth certificate to prove his ancestry.

Cunningham blasted: "I'm deeply offended by the accusations.

"I've stayed at St Helens because Rugby League runs through my veins and these allegations are very upsetting."

Elder brother Eddie, 50, made eight appearances for Wales. Eddie, who played for Wigan, St Helens, Leeds and Widnes, said: "I was asked to provide evidence of my ancestry before representing Wales in the 1975 World Cup.

"Our mother's maiden name is Roberts and her father was born in North Wales and I went to Mold for a copy of the birth certificate.

"That was sent to the Rugby League and there is no foundation for these stories whatsoever.

"The Welsh RU have lost a two-horse race and this is a cheap trick to try and discredit our family.

"These accusations are an insult to our intelligence. Another brother Tommy made two appearances for Wales and we are all proud of our heritage.

"We put our body on the line for Wales but this is just sour grapes from the Welsh union."

Mal Kay, the St Helens chief executive, said:"We are very unhappy about the allegations.

"We had a contract from Swansea RU on Tuesday lunchtime and it would be very unprofessional if their officials had not checked the authenticity of Keiron's ancestry before they were due to unveil him as a union player last Wednesday.

"Three members of the Cunningham family have represented Wales over the last 25 years and the RL have always been satisfied about their eligibility.

"This smacks of union being bad losers."

Saints Chief Executive Mal Kay angrilly accused the officials of the Welsh Union of sour sportsmanship.

Kay praised the Saints board for their united tenacity in resisting massive financial inducements to both the player and the club.

"The longer our discussions went on the more our confidence grew that we could keep Keiron at Knowsley Road, such is his obvious love of the club and his admiration for our fans.

"By securing Cunningham's services for another four years we have proved our determination to stand our corner our ownb supporters and the game of rugby league, both on and off the field. That is why we are World Champions," said Kay.