Gatland & regions to iron out row

Coach Warren Gatland will meet Wales' four regions individually to sort out a row over international player release.

Gatland told Scrum V last week he was unhappy that the regions had refused a request to release players 13 days before the 8 November Springbok Test.

The regions say they have not ruled out releasing the players, but want a binding agreement with the Union first.

"I'm confident something can be arranged to benefit all parties," said Welsh Rugby Union boss Roger Lewis.

606: DEBATE What do you make of the player release row?

"All sides are talking and they all have the best interests of Welsh rugby - at all levels - at heart.

"There are issues that need to be addressed, and the best way to do that is face to face around the table.

"I won't set a timescale, but I'm confident that we can look forward to a great autumn series of rugby."

Gatland sparked the public row on Sunday's BBC Wales Scrum V rugby programme by saying he was disappointed that the regions had rejected his call for a 13-day training camp.

The Blues, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets will be in EDF Energy Cup action on the weekend of 1 November, but they deny refusing access to the players, saying in a joint statement: "We're disappointed Gatland has misrepresented us on this issue.

"We're also disappointed by Warren Gatland's decision to publicly voice his thoughts over this issue to the media.

"The regions have not dismissed Warren's request to seek additional release for players involved in international duties for the autumn internationals.

"Rather, the regions sought a reassurance that this matter would be dealt with thoughtfully and professionally with due regard for the consequences such a move would have on Wales' current domestic season.

"Furthermore, an additional request was made that any solution reached would be legally binding to avoid a repeat of past instances where the WRU has reached agreements with the regions, only to see them later ignored by the WRU's non-rugby management.

Player release is unavoidably disruptive given the demands of the modern game Roger Lewis

"We take the role we play in helping deliver the individual players that form the national team extremely seriously, as we also do our commitment to our own regions, the competitions, our businesses, players and supporters.

"Successful strategic thinking and planning in Welsh rugby requires thoughtful analysis and adaptation to the game as a whole.

"More than ever, as successful rugby nations have demonstrated around the globe, a partnership approach to rugby's administration and governance is required to achieve a sustainable, meaningful and successful future at all levels of the game."

Meanwhile WRU group chief executive Lewis has backed the coach he and his colleagues brought in to turn around the fortunes of the national squad, saying: "We fully support Warren in his aim to achieve maximum preparation time for the squad before the matches in November.

"Player release is always unavoidably disruptive given the demands of the modern professional game, but we must work together on this in the interests of a successful Wales team.

"I would hope this issue can be resolved quickly through direct discussion as there are rules and understandings already in place and there is certainly no need to conclude any new formal agreements at this stage."

On the weekend of 1 November the Dragons travel to Wasps, Ospreys to London Irish and Scarlets to Northampton, while the Blues host Bath.