Wales players released for Blues

Mike Ruddock has released his Cardiff Blues contingent of Wales players to play in their Heineken Cup qualification play-off match against an as yet unidentified Italian team before the tour to the USA and Canada in June.

The tourists depart on May 27, but the return leg of the play-off is scheduled to be in Italy on May 29. The Blues players selected for the tour will depart for America on May 30.

Continuing with the spirit of cooperation that has been so apparent between the national management and the Regions this season, we have decided to release the Blues players back to their Region for this match," said Ruddock.

"The Heineken Cup is the top domestic competition in the northern hemisphere at the moment and it is the best way to prepare players for the international stage. 
 
Ideally, wed like all our national players to be competing for their clubs and Regions in the Heineken Cup and we wish the Blues the very best of luck in their vital qualification match in Italy.
 
The Regions all cooperated with our needs by standing down players before our opening Six Nations match against England and we are happy to return the favour.

The squad will be announced on May 6, and will be less the ten senior players required for the Lions tour.

Ruddock has set the tour to be a development tour, and is searching for a new generation of players to put their hands up.
 
I have already held a number of meetings with staff from the Under 21 management team and senior selectors to discuss criteria and possible selection for the tour but the viewing and selection panel will have a busy time over the next few weeks," he said.

"We will be looking at Premiership and Regional games in Wales as well as games in England so while we have a strong, settled squad to work with, there is certainly an opportunity for young players making their mark to put their hands up.
 
With so many players selected for the British and Irish Lions, it is critical that we keep the team cohesion, consistency and level of success that we have worked so hard to achieve.

"It is a great chance for players on the fringe of the squad and players making an impression at Under 21 level to compete for places in the side, particularly with a thrilling autumn series coming up against the three southern hemisphere superpowers.