Dwayne Peel is free to get some Scarlets game time, if passed fit

Peel underwent tests on a head injury suffered against Italy and was cleared to face Ulster in Belfast on Friday.

Gatland said: "We're happy for Dwayne to play if medical opinion approves."

Also released are Alun Wyn Jones, Sonny Parker, Alix Popham, Deiniol Jones, Robin Sowden-Taylor, Jamie Roberts, Gareth Delve and Gareth Cooper.

For Alix, Deiniol, Robin, Jamie and Sonny it's a case of all those players needing game time as we progress though our campaign Wales coach Warren Gatland

Ospreys lock Alun Wyn Jones suffered an ankle blow in the opening Six Nations win against England and will be hoping to do enough to earn a role for Wales' Triple Crown bid against Ireland on Saturday, 8 March.

Wales had no choice but to release number eight Delve and scrum-half Cooper to Gloucester, but Llanelli Scarlets, Ospreys and Cardiff Blues will also benefit in their Magners League encounters.

Gatland said: "For Alix, Deiniol, Robin, Jamie and Sonny it's a case of all those players needing game time as we progress though our campaign.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Give your reaction here to Warren Gatland's decision to release players

"Gareth Delve and Gareth Cooper have to be released to England-based Gloucester Rugby and Tom James is unavailable due to illness."

The rest of the squad will train over the weekend, but on Sunday most will take part in the Welsh Rugby Union and Welsh Assembly Government-run outreach programme, Health Challenge Wales.

Itinerary for players visiting Welsh rugby clubs on 2 March for Health Challenge Wales:

Huw Bennett (Abergavenny), Ian Gough (Ebbw Vale), Tom Shanklin (Caerphilly), Gethin Jenkins (NHSOB), Rhys Thomas (Croesyceiliog), Martyn Williams (Pentyrch), Alun-Wyn Jones (Gwernyfed), Ian Evans (Abercwmboi), James Hook (Merthyr), Adam Jones (Llantwit Major), Stephen Jones (Crymych), Deiniol Jones (Aberystwyth) Dwayne Peel (Llandybie), Mark Jones (Wrexham and Mold), Mike Phillips (Pwllheli and Llangefni), Jonathan Thomas (Ruthin and Colwyn Bay).