Cardiff Blues will not ask for the release of their three Lions for the Heineken Cup play-off in Italy. The Blues travel to face the third-best Italian side on 29 May, the winner taking a Heineken Cup spot next season.
The Lions fly on 25 May, but Stephen Jones and Gareth Thomas may leave later in order to fulfil French club duties.
But the Blues will do without Martyn Williams, Tom Shanklin and Gethin Jenkins, chief executive Rob Norster confirming the matter was ended.
"They join the rest of the Lions in the middle of May with our best wishes and we look forward to them distinguishing themselves," he told the South Wales Echo.
"Given the importance of the match in Italy we obviously had to consider the pros and cons of their availability. "But we had to respect the great honour that had been achieved by them in their selection for the tour of New Zealand.
"We also recognise that it would be insensitive on our part to ask the players to make their own decision about availability."
Wales coach Mike Ruddock has already promised that any players selected for June's tour of North America will be available for the Blues' play-off match.
It remains unclear whether USA Eagles captain and Blues number eight Kort Schubert will be available for the Cardiff side, though.
The Blues hope to arrange some play-offs ahead of the Italian game as they have no other competitive fixtures left.
MMIX
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We recognise that it would be insensitive on our part to ask the players to make their own decision about availability
