Horsman released by Wales

Horsman is not included in the line-up for Wales’s Invesco Perpetual Series clash with Canada on Friday night, but will be back with the squad on Saturday to prepare for the final game against New Zealand next weekend.

Horsman was at the centre of a club versus country debate in the run-up to Wales’s 29-29 draw with Australia in the opening game of the Series. Those discussions led to him returning to England after initially being selected for the bench to face the Wallabies.

However, in response to a request from the Warriors to be allowed to play him in the league match against the Quins, the WRU has agreed to release Horsman with the player’s best interests in mind and as a mark of respect for both the club and the individual. His release has been granted even though International Rugby Board regulations say the national side has first right of refusal over his services.

“We worked hard to come to an agreement that suited all parties before the Wallabies game,” said WRU chief executive Roger Lewis, who was involved in negotiations with Premier Rugby Limited, the governing body of the English clubs which effectively withdrew Horsman two weeks ago.

“In the end Chris became unavailable to us because of the politics of the situation and the matter was taken out of the hands of both Worcester and ourselves.”

Wales team manager Alan Phillips wants Horsman back in the Wales camp ready and raring to go next week as the team prepares for its clash with the world’s top-ranked side. Phillips says the Wales team management looked at “the bigger picture” when considering the question of releasing him.

“The club made a request for Chris’s services again this weekend and we have decided, in the long established spirit of reasonable co-operation we have with all the clubs and regions that employ Welsh players, to allow him to return to Worcester,” said Phillips.

“It is in Chris’s best interests to play; after a tough conditioning week with Wales he is in need of a run out. We are aware we have another big game next week as the Invesco Perpetual Series culminates with the visit of the All Blacks to the Millennium Stadium and Chris’s services may well be required, so it is a risk for us to allow him to play this weekend.

“But we have a balancing act to perform and there is a bigger picture here; we are taking a long term view and looking at what is best for the player. We want to maintain the healthy relationship we have with all the clubs and regions that support Welsh rugby in the best interest of the game and the players – and giving Chris game-time for Worcester meets those aims.”