Clubs agree to rest internationals

Wales' players will rest the Saturday before games

Graham Henry has emerged with plenty to smile about from the first meeting of the working party set up to sort out Welsh rugby's fixtures for next season.

Wales' clubs met with WRU representatives, Henry and team manager Dai Pickering on Tuesday and have agreed not to play their international players the Saturday before international games next season - a key Henry demand.

"We looked at the dates and were able to ensure Graham had what he really wanted," said premier clubs chairman Derrick King.

Henry has voiced his concerns that Wales' players have been playing against each other at club level just seven days before vital Six Nations matches this season.

However, it is unclear whether there will simply be no club fixtures on those days or whether clubs will rest their top players.

Wales coach Henry has also called for a cut in the number of domestic fixtures to accomodate the proposed Celtic League.

King did not rule out a cut in the number of Welsh-Scottish league games being involved in the agreement and also revealed there were "ideas" concerning the Principality Cup.

The plans will be presented to the WRU general committee on Thursday for approval.