David Moffett had praised the deal a s a "breakthrough in common sense" © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

News: Regions hit WRU with court action

News: Welsh regions provide player boost for Six Nations

News: Lewis confident long-lasting peace will be found

News: Byrne primed for All Blacks test

News: Williams full-of-praise for Halfpenny

News: Gatland praise for McCaw

News: Henry braced for Welsh onslaught

News: Roberts promises strong showing from Wales

Teams: Cardiff Blues | Dragons | Ospreys | Scarlets | Wales

Wales' four professional regions have reached agreement with Warren Gatland over player release for next summer's North America tour.

Regional Rugby Wales - who represent Cardiff Blues, the Ospreys, Scarlets and Newport Gwent Dragons - were subjected to a High Court ruling last month with regard to releasing players for three days' national squad training just under a fortnight before the national team tackled world champions South Africa.

The sessions were at the start of a week when the regions faced important Anglo-Welsh Cup group games. High Court action was prompted by the Welsh Rugby Union, and caused a heated public debate that overshadowed the build-up to Wales' autumn Test series.

RRW claim they have now reached "firm and mutually beneficial agreement" with Wales head coach Gatland about pre-tour release.

Moffett said, "RRW are delighted that a firm and mutually beneficial agreement has been reached with the national coach and the regions over the release of players for the upcoming tour of North America.

"The agreement will see players from the regions required for international duties in the summer, including training, released despite the dates requested being outside of the official International Rugby Board window.

"In return, players that may be required for European Rugby Cup and other critical fixtures will in turn be released to the regions as needed. In addition, as part of our wider agreement, Warren Gatland has confirmed that Welsh players who will not make up the 24-man match squad for the final autumn international against Australia next week will be released back to the regions to prepare for Magners League fixtures scheduled for the weekend of the Australia game.

"This is a breakthrough in common sense, and demonstrates how the regions and national team can work in tandem when matters are constructively addressed in advance - leading to rugby solutions to rugby problems, rather than turning to law."