Welsh Teams Consider Wru Compromise

Welsh rugby’s regional team franchises are reviewing a compromise deal from the Welsh Rugby Union regarding the release of players for the autumn Test series.

Wales coach Warren Gatland wants 13 days preparation for the opening Test against world champions South Africa but the controversial move would have meant players missing the final round of EDF Energy Cup pool matches.

Gatland has now proposed having his stars either side of the Cup weekend, giving him eight days preparation.

The regions initially only wanted to release their Welsh players for five days, once the EDF Energy Cup matches were completed.

However Gatland’s compromise deal means the coach would have his Wales stars for three days starting on 27 October.

Then the Welsh players, who won the Six Nations championship earlier this year, would return to their regions on 30th October to prepare for and play in their EDF Energy games.

The international players would then return to Wales camp for five days build-up to the first Test against World Cup winners South Africa.

A similar deal concerning Scottish players playing in England has been forced through by the International Rugby Board this week.

The Welsh Rugby Union and the four Welsh regions are currently negotiating a new ‘Participation Agreement’ which formalises their relationship as their current agreement expires in May 2009.