Wales and its regions are continuing discussions over when players will be available in the Six Nations build-up. Wales coach Warren Gatland has asked for 13 days with his squad ahead of the first game on 8 February, but the regions have so far agreed eight days. The regions have complied with International Rugby Board rules by releasing players on 26-8 January and the week before the Scotland fixture. But issues remain over 29-30 January when players could go to their regions. The last Heineken Cup game is on 25 January, and although there are no regional matches on the last weekend of the month, as things stand, Gatland's Welsh-based squad members may return to the Blues, Dragons, Scarlets and Ospreys for the following Thursday and Friday.  | 606: DEBATE |
The Scarlets have a showpiece game against the Barbarians at Parc y Scarlets on 31 January, but they are not expected to include any players in Wales contention in their squad for that match. "As the IRB has clarified that the release required for international training is eight days ahead of the Six Nations, the regions will of course abide by this requirement as they will for future summer tours and autumn internationals," said Regional Rugby Wales chief executive David Moffett. The eight days comprise the five days leading up to a Test weekend and the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of the preceding week. The current discussions follow an autumn of chaos in Welsh rugby, revolving around talks over a new participation agreement between the regions and the Welsh Rugby Union. The row erupted when Gatland asked for 13 days with his squad to prepare for playing world champions South Africa in Cardiff on 8 November, a Test that did not fall within the IRB's international window. | There is a long way to go yet, but at least we're talking |
The regions refused and insisted they would release their players after the final round of EDF Energy Cup pool games, leaving just five days for Gatland to prepare his side. The Blues, Scarlets, Ospreys and Dragons then turned down the WRU's player-release compromise of eight days. They also formed a new company, Regional Rugby Wales, headed by former WRU boss Moffett, who proceeded to engage in a bitter and personal war of words with current Union boss Roger Lewis. The WRU eventually secured the eight-day deal in a High Court order. That prompted a furious response from Moffett, but a more conciliatory mood is apparent now. "There is a long way to go yet, but at least we're talking," said Moffett. "RRW is very clear on the role of regional rugby in continuing to ensure the success of the national team. "Not only in terms of developing the players that make up the squad, but also allowing the Union the use of the regions' players from which the WRU is able to generate its income. "The stronger the regions are, the stronger the national game is, it's as simple as that. "We want to ensure the regions continue to flourish and that the WRU engages with us to harness every opportunity to make that happen."
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