Boost for Wales after Premiership Rugby release players for Australia Test

Wales' upcoming campaign against Australia has received a shot in the arm after Premiership Rugby has decided to release the players as "a gesture of flexibility".

The decision means Northampton wing George North, Harlequins centre Jamie Roberts, Gloucester flanker Ross Moriarty, Exeter prop Tomas Francis and Bath forwards Luke Charteris and Taulupe Faletau (injured) will be available to interim coach Rob Howley for the clash at Millennium Stadium on 5th November.

Earlier, there were doubts raised on the of the Aviva Premiership players from Wales featuring against Australia due to Premiership Rugby's existing policy of not to release players outside international window.

The decision will also apply to the other Test nations who are scheduled to play a game between 4th and 6th November. Apart from Wales taking on Australia in the November first week, Ireland, New Zealand, Japan and Argentina all will also be in action

A statement released by Premiership Rugby confirmed that this will be a "one-off" move.

"As a gesture of flexibility, the Premiership Rugby clubs will release their players outside the approved Test window for matches on the weekend of 4-6 November," a Premiership Rugby spokesperson told Press Association Sport.

"This comes as we continue deliberations on a new post-2019 global season structure to find an appropriate balance between club and international rugby.

"We are showing flexibility to help a number of unions who have decided to play on this particular weekend, but we must stress this is a one-off variation to the allowed window while discussions continue."