Scrum of the Earth /

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...