WalesEngland’s leading clubs will not allow players to take part in the Wales trial on Friday, 30 May.  The availability of some Wales stars was in any case in doubt because the Aviva Premiership final takes place a day later.

A spokesman said Premiership Rugby’s Wales players would not be free for the trial as it falls outside the International Rugby Board (IRB) window.

But Wales remain hopeful of reaching a deal over England-based players.

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French clubs are also not obliged to make players available.

A Premiership spokesman said: “Premiership Rugby has a policy to only release non-England players under the conditions of IRB regulation nine.

“This regulation covers international release for every Test country across the world. This trial match does not fall under IRB regulation nine.”

A WRU spokesman said: “Depending on selection we would liaise with Premiership Rugby, the clubs and the players to discuss availability to the Wales senior trial ahead of our summer tour.”

Wales announce the Possibles v Probables trial squads on Tuesday, 13 May and the game takes place at Swansea’s Liberty Stadium later in the month.

Leicester fly-half Owen Williams has been touted as a potential Wales tourist to South Africa for two Tests and a warm-up game.

But he could be at Twickenham for English club rugby’s showpiece final on 31 May.

However, if Leicester fail to reach the final, the trial would have been a chance for the 22-year-old to press Test claims.

Uncapped Williams could also possibly soften the blow of Rhys Priestland’s potentially tour-ending knee injury, suffered in Scarlets’ last Pro12 game of the season.

The Tigers face George North’s Northampton in the Premiership semi-finals on Friday 16 May.

North is the only Wales player with a contract clause that ensures he can be available for all international training and playing duties.

But it seems unlikely that the WRU would invoke their right to North’s services for the trial if Saints are in the final.

 

Top Welsh players based outside Wales

  • Owen Williams (Leicester)
  • Ryan Jones (Bristol)
  • George North (Northampton)
  • Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro)
  • Mike Phillips (Racing Metro)
  • Dan Lydiate (Racing Metro)
  • James Hook (Perpignan)
  • Luke Charteris (Perpignan)
  • Lee Byrne (Clermont Auvergne)
  • Tavis Knoyle (Gloucester)
  • Paul James (Bath)
  • Gavin Henson (Bath)
  • Jonathan Thomas (Worcester)
  • Craig Mitchell (Exeter)
  • Rhys Gill (Saracens)
  • Marc Jones (Sale)

One Response to Welsh Rugby: England based players to miss TRIAL match

  • 1

    This is no surprise as already commented here on Friday that this ‘trial’ match falls on the finals weekend of PRO12 TOP14 and Premiership

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