By Country / Wales

England may have started the trend but Scotland and now Wales are locked in regional dispute over player release for the start of the November internationals.

Warren Gatland wants the squad to join up 13 days before the opening autumn Test against South Africa but the coach's request has been turned down because of the mickey mouse... we mean EDF Energy Cup sorry.

The Group Chief Executive of the Welsh Rugby Union, Roger Lewis, said:

"The Welsh Rugby Union fully supports the Wales Head Coach, Warren Gatland, in his aim to achieve maximum preparation time for the squad before the forthcoming matches in November.

"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 and 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.

Yeah but try telling the money men paying for it all...

Stick that down your southern hemisphere trumpets. Despite dominating the IRB rankings, forcing the IRBs hand to radically change the game, the southern hemisphere has only one nomination in the IRB Player of the Year awards.

Dan Carter's a pretty strong candidate mind you, and stands out as the early favourite, although Welsh wing-wizard, Shane Williams could trump him on the outside after a record-breaking 2008.

Three captains, Ryan Jones (Wales), Mike Blair (Scotland) and the outstanding Italian Sergio Parisse make up the list, ahead of the awards ceremony in London on November 23.

Wales like their pocket-rocket centres with Scott Gibbs, Sonny Parker and Jamie Roberts all wearing the red jersey in stocky fashion, but down in mid-Wales and not for the first time, a young lad by the name of Jonathan Davies is making a name for himself with some rambunkscious performances in the Magners League.

You’re almost forced to play It’s just the natural thing to do for a kid growing up in Wales. I came from a primary school with very few pupils so I started playing for a local side in St. Clears and my dad was always a big influence on me and in such a small community, rugby brings everyone together, so it seemed like the right thing to do.

I want to make him proud and play for Wales one day My dad, Mike Davies, played for London Welsh and people would always tell me good stories about him so it’s always in the back of my mind.

I love the team environment The best thing about rugby - making connections outside school and all around the country - is getting to bridge relationships with guys who you’re going to play with for the rest of your career.

I’m happiest when I’m active I do a lot of outdoor stuff and try to get down on the beach as much as possible. My friends all play a bit of cricket so it keeps the fitness levels up during the off-season. I’m not lazy, I just like getting out and about.

I’ve been compared to Scott Gibbs It’s flattering but I like to play a powerful game. I like to carry the ball quite hard and make big tackles so you could say there’s more of an emphasis on defensive qualities.

My left foot isn’t too cultured I found myself quite quiet mixing with the seniors, there was not so much confidence there, so I’ve probably got to work on my communication, my kicking and a bit of handling skills.

Tana Umaga has my early hero He was a great leader and such a fantastic all-round player. Obviously I watched and admired the way Scott Gibbs carried the ball and his physicality and Jonah Lomu was a hero especially being such a big powerful player.

It was like a war zone Making my Heineken Cup debut at Thomond Park against Munster was a real eye opener and definitely my toughest test. Their support was magnificent and it was such a privilege to play in front of such passionate supporters. I’ll never forget that day and that occasion.

South Africa: 37
Tries: J De Villiers 2, R Januarie, B Du Plessis
Cons: B James 4
Pens: B James 3

Wales: 21
Tries: G Cooper, S Williams
Con: S Jones
Pens: S Jones 3

Not this time, but Wales went a long way to eroding their nightmare week leading up to the second test defeat to South Africa by pushing an off-colour world champions all the way and had it not been for Stephen Jones' wayward boot, Warren Gatland could've masterminded another minor miracle in Pretoria.

A torried seven days started with a 43-17 hammering in Bloemfontein, after which the Welsh players were forced to board the same flight with their rivals - whoever sanctioned this probably isn't going to be in a job for much longer - but Ryan Jones' boys earned a hell of a lot of respect after walking with imposing physicality rather than just talking about how they were going to smash their opposition backwards.

Butch James was at the fulcrum, giving the Springboks plenty of go-forward where the forwards struggled to set a platform. Jean de Villiers scored the first, last and had a hand in Ricky Januarie's try in a fine all-round display, but Bismarck du Plessis' last minute score was slightly unfair on the 'Red Dragons.'

Wales' moment of magic for the umpteenth time came from the wizardry skills of Shane Williams, who won over many new fans in the Rainbow Nation with arguably his best ever touchdown. Bamboozling five defenders who didn't know whether they were turned left or right, the twinkle-toed wing dived over for a dazzling score that overshadowed another frustrating afternoon for Bryan Habana.