WRU boss hopes for harmony

WRU chairman David Pickering insists there will not be a rushed decision over player release.

Welsh Rugby Union chairman David Pickering insists there will not be a rushed decision over player release for next month's autumn Tests.

Wales coach Warren Gatland announces his squad next Tuesday, ahead of November appointments with South Africa, Canada, New Zealand and Australia at the Millennium Stadium.

He has requested the players are then released by their regions early the following week – ahead of the final round of EDF Energy Cup pool matches.

But all four Welsh regions could still be in the hunt for semi-final places, when Cardiff Blues host Bath, the Scarlets tackle Northampton, the Dragons visit Wasps and the Ospreys travel to London Irish.

The Ospreys for instance meet Irish just six days before the Springboks Test.

Talks are continuing between the regions and Welsh Rugby Union chiefs, and Pickering is hopeful of a amicable solution.

“We are trying to create an environment of harmony,” he said.

“The regions have been fantastic in their release time over the last year.

“What they've done in terms of helping the international team, I am fully appreciative of.

“We appreciate there are conflicting interests, but we will take our time and aim to deliver the most amicable way possible for the players, who are core in this, and also for Welsh rugby.

“It is a private discussion.

“We've asked them (the regions) to look at various periods of preparation, and I don't want to go into it any more than that because it is between us and them.

“We just like to do things as amicably as possible.”