Gatland issues World Cup warning to English-based players

HEAD coach Warren Gatland has warned Wales players plying their trade in England they face missing out on a World Cup spot due to Premier Rugby’s “ridiculous” decision not to release them until August 4, the latest date allowed, next year.

Wasps flanker Andy Powell and Sale scrum-half Dwayne Peel were notable absentees from Gatland’s 33-man squad for November engagements against Australia, South Africa, Fiji and New Zealand, partly due to the pair being unable to be involved against Australia as the game falls outside the International Rugby Board Test window.

And Gatland warned the stance taken by Premier Rugby, the body representing Aviva Premiership clubs, will harm their prospects of going to New Zealand next September.