WRU back Gatland over regional blast

Backing Warren: Lewis, left, is behind Gatland on the player debate

The Welsh regions have hit back at Warren Gatland after he blasted them for not agreeing to release their players thirteen days before the national side take on South Africa.

All four regions said they will release their international players after the third round of EDF Energy Cup fixtures, leaving Gatland just five days with the squad before hosting South Africa on November 8.

Gatland expressed his disappointment and frustration at such a decision, going on to say the players were pawns in an ongoing dispute between the Welsh Rugby Union and the four regions, a dispute that dates back before Gatland was even involved with the national side.

On Monday the regions hit back at Gatland, insisting they had not rejected his request, but wanted a 'legally binding agreement' to avoid 'gentlemen agreements' which had been ignored by the WRU's non-rugby management.

"As regions we were disappointed by Warren Gatland's decision to publicly voice his thoughts over the issue of player release to the media and additionally misrepresent the regions' position,' said the joint statement.

"The regions have not dismissed Warren's request to seek additional release for players involved in international duties for the November internationals.

"Rather, the regions sought a reassurance that this matter would be dealt with thoughtfully and professionally with due regard for the consequences such a move would have on Wales' current domestic season.

"Furthermore, an additional request was made that any solution reached would be legally binding, to avoid a repeat of past instances where the Union has reached agreements with the regions, only to see them later ignored by the WRU's non-rugby management.

"We take the role we play in helping deliver the individual players that form the national team extremely seriously, as we also do our commitment to our own regions, the competitions, our businesses, players and supporters.

"Successful strategic thinking and planning in Welsh rugby requires thoughtful analysis and adaptation to the game as a whole.

"More than ever, as successful rugby nations have demonstrated around the globe, a partnership approach to rugby's administration and governance is required to achieve a sustainable, meaningful and successful future at all levels of the game."

In light of the statement the WRU stepped in and gave their backing to Gatland and his decision to air his opinions publicly.

"The Welsh Rugby Union fully supports Warren in his aim to achieve maximum preparation time for the squad before the forthcoming matches in November," WRU group chief executive Roger Lewis said.

"We totally understand the need for all the parties involved to work in partnership and I know Warren has raised the release issue in good time.

"Player release is always unavoidably disruptive given the demands of the modern professional game, but we must work together on this in the interests of a successful Wales team.

"I would hope this issue can be resolved quickly through direct discussion as there are rules and understandings already in place.

"There is certainly no need to conclude any new formal agreements at this stage.

"The four regions play a vital role in the delivery of a successful Wales team and I would ask them to seek to resolve this issue now in the spirit of partnership. It can be done if there is a universal will to succeed.

"There is a clear issue over disruption of cup team selection for the regions, but in this particular case we are talking about Wales preparing for an incredibly strong and important line-up of games.

"The fixture crunch issue this has pinpointed is clearly there to be debated and resolved.

"We have been involved in important and meaningful talks with the regions on a range of issues and I am confident they have the ability to help find a solution to this problem.

"Warren has made it very clear that as far as the national squad is concerned he is looking for a level playing field to ensure their preparations are on a par with what is being achieved in the other home nations."