Talks between the Welsh Rugby Union and the regions broke down on Thursday.

But the Ospreys, Blues, Scarlets and Dragons have ruled out any threat of withholding their Test stars.

Ospreys managing director Mike Cuddy said: "The ultimate for a rugby player is to play in the World Cup and we want our guys to enjoy it."

The regions were seeking �30,000 per man, which would cost the WRU close to �1m.

But the governing body maintains that the substantial increase in central funding received by the four regions covers the release of players for international tournaments.

The sum the four regions get from the Union has risen from a combined �1.8m to �3.4m for three years until 2009.

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The WRU also publicly pointed out that the regions have not made similar applications for compensation from the Ireland and Scotland unions.

It also noted that English Premiership clubs Gloucester and Worcester, who provide two members of the Wales World Cup squad, have not applied for compensation.

WRU group chief executive Roger Lewis said: "We are saddened that on the eve of the Rugby World Cup, the four regions have adopted this approach and have put unnecessary pressure on Wales' build-up."

The players selected for the World Cup will definitely be unavailable to the regions for at least two months, possibly increasing to three months if Wales make it through the group stages and into the knock-out rounds.

The Ospreys, Blues, Dragons and Scarlets were also seeking recompense for all the preparation time their star players have spent with the Wales squad.

English clubs have agreed a �30,000 per man compensation deal with the Rugby Football Union for the loss of their players during the World Cup.

The WRU is saying a firm and decisive 'no' to this demand WRU boss Roger Lewis

"The incredible disappointment we feel over the attitude and actions of the four regions is tempered by our determination to stand firm on this issue for the sake of Welsh rugby," added Lewis.

"The four regions have been demanding nearly �1m in compensation for releasing their players to pull on the red jersey of Wales in the greatest rugby tournament in the world.

"The WRU is saying a firm and decisive 'no' to this demand because it would not be fair to the rest of Welsh rugby."

The Union increased funding to the regions last year, a deal they say was to cover all player releases.

The agreement runs until 2009, but the WRU want to extend that to 2012.