THE International Rugby Board have ruled in favour of the Welsh regions in their battle with the Welsh Rugby Union over the release of players.

The IRB regulations committee have onsidered the request made by the WRU for the release of squad players for three days next week in addition to the normal five days before the game against South Africa on November 8.

They have found against the WRU because they say they have no jurisdiction over an internal dispute - as forecast by the regions new spokesman David Moffett - though they urge the parties to resolve the matter urgently.