CLASH - Newport Gwent Dragons and the Welsh Rugby Union have crossed swords over the availability of Wales squad members for tomorrow night's Celtic League game against Ulster at Rodney Parade (7.05pm).

Wales coach Mike Ruddock has denied the Dragons six of their eight Welsh squad players for a game crucial to their aim of qualifying for next season's Heineken Cup.

If the Dragons lose against Ulster and Llanelli Scarlets beat Connacht in Athlone, also tomorrow night, the Dragons will drop below their Welsh rivals in the table, though they have a game in hand.

They are still ten points ahead of Cardiff Blues, also with a match in hand, in the race to ensure European qualification, but they are less than pleased they have been prevented from including so many leading players against Ulster, especially as the Irish teams can play theirs.

Those barred from facing Ulster are Kevin Morgan, Hal Luscombe, Ceri Sweeney, Gareth Cooper, Ian Gough and Michael Owen. Steve Jones and Luke Charteris are the only ones to be released.

"Obviously everyone wants to see Wales do well, but we all want the region to do well too," said Dragons captain Jason Forster.

"It was only on Tuesday that we knew what players would be available. You'd want your best ones, but it's not to be.

"I understand Mike wants to get an edge, Wales are doing well in the Six Nations and they've got everyone talking about Welsh rugby again.

"But on a regional basis we would like them playing for us. We've got Luke who needs game time and Steve, but we'd have liked more.

"There are financial implications, too. People want to see the better players, no disrespect to the others, there's a lot at stake now."

Anderson said: "It's a tough situation, but it should be taken out of the coach's hands. Mike has got his agenda and I've got mine, but they clash. Where I come from the league decide. "It's going to be a tough ask against Ulster when we haven't got our best players."

If Gareth Baber fails a fitness test on his groin injury, untried James Ireland will be called on at scrum half or possibly Sione Tuipulotu.

The Tongan is on the bench after playing in all 21 games this season. Steve Winn, who has made just four starts, replaces him.

Nathan Brew has recovered from his ankle injury and will be at outside centre. Premier Division pair Matthew Veater and Cae Trayhern are on the bench.

Team: P Montgomery, G Wyatt, N Brew, S Winn, B Breeze, C Warlow, G Baber/ J Ireland, R Snow, S Jones, C Anthony, L Charteris, P Sidoli, J Ringer, R Oakley, J Forster (captain). Subs: J Bryant, S Tuipulotu, A Black, J Richards, R Thomas, M Veater, C Trayhern.