Wales coach Warren Gatland last night hit out in the player release row between the Welsh Rugby Union and the regional sides and insisted five days' preparation for the opening November Test would be "insufficient".

The regions issued a strongly-worded statement signed by Ospreys duo Roger Blyth and Mike Cuddy, Scarlets chief executive Stuart Gallacher, Newport Gwent Dragons' Gethin Jenkins and Cardiff Blues' Bob Norster in which they claimed an agreement over player release was "unlikely" in the short term. They defended their record on player release and accused the WRU of "shifting the goalposts" on agreements on the subject, including the release of players for EDF Energy Anglo-Welsh Cup duty.

Gatland initially requested his squad join up after next weekend's penultimate round of Anglo-Welsh Cup fixtures but the regions could potentially be chasing semi-final places when the pool stages conclude between October 31 and November 2, with the visit of South Africa to the Millennium Stadium coming up on November 8.

Gatland said: "Everyone knows that five days' preparation is insufficient for a major international, and that is not questioned by the regions or their executives. My focus is straightforward, in that I want adequate preparation time for the players selected to represent Wales and nothing more."

A WRU spokesman added: "Anyone who cares about Welsh rugby will be disappointed to discover that the four regions have decided to go about their business in this way. We regard the statement as inaccurate and misleading and will be addressing these points with the individuals concerned.

"Over recent months, there have been numerous meetings between the Welsh Rugby Union and the regions looking forward towards a new Participation Agreement aimed at nurturing and developing elite rugby in Wales. The latest of those meetings took place this week, and the Welsh Rugby Union regards the talks on a range of relevant issues to be progressing well.

"Therefore, we are surprised at the sudden recourse to public statements, but will refrain from engaging in detailed debate outside the format of formal negotiation. The Welsh Rugby Union remains determined to secure a Participation Agreement which will benefit the whole of rugby in Wales and ensure that our regions continue to develop and grow as competitive forces on the European and world stage."

On the field, Wales' regions all face crucial Heineken Cup matches this weekend, with Ospreys hosting Perpignan and the Scarlets visiting Stade Francais today, with the Dragons travelling to Bath on Sunday, when the Blues host Gloucester.