Wales' rugby regions have pledged to release players for the national team's summer tour to north America.

In October the Welsh Rugby Union won a High Court order for the regions to release players for training ahead of the November Test against South Africa.

Regional Rugby Wales boss David Moffett said: "The agreement will see players.. released despite the dates being outside of the official IRB window."

RRW says in turn Wales players will be available for major regional games.

Moffett said: "Players that may be required for ERC (Heineken Cup) and other critical fixtures will in turn be released to the regions as needed."

Moffett added: "Warren Gatland has confirmed that Welsh players who will not make up the 24-man match squad for the final autumn international against Australia, will be released back to the regions to prepare for Magners League fixtures scheduled for the weekend of the Australia game."

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A WRU spokesman confirmed its position on the issue.

"Warren Gatland was happy to assure the coaches of the four regions that international squad players would be made fully available for European Cup action and play-offs next summer if required," the WRU said in a statement.

"He offered this assurance to ensure the player release issue was resolved and asked the regions to confirm the arrangement was acceptable.

"The coach told them that having teams in the European Cup or important play-offs is an important goal for Welsh rugby.

"The Welsh Rugby Union fully supports the national head coach in his endeavour to help the four regions as much as possible while preserving the right to properly prepare his squads for international matches."

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