The Welsh Rugby Union claimed a major legal victory on Friday in the ongoing dispute with the country’s professional clubs over player release for international games.

The four professional regional teams – Cardiff Blues, Ospreys, Newport Gwent Dragons and Scarlets – said players would not be released until five days before the first Test against South Africa, whereas head coach Warren Gatland wanted a further three days preparation.

On Friday, the High Court ruled that the regions should not “prevent, hinder or obstruct” the players from attending training on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. Judge Havelock Allan’s decision is binding on the regions by virtue of the express terms of the Participation Agreement and their membership of the WRU.

WRU chief executive Roger Lewis is quoted as saying “Welsh rugby has right on its side and common sense has prevailed.”

As a result, Ospreys‘ winger Nikki Walker is set to join the Scottish Rugby training camp in Spain tomorrow – in preparation for autumn Tests against South Africa, New Zealand and Canada.