Wales captain Sam Warburton and prop Gethin Jenkins are among 10 players who will be released to their regional teams for RaboDirect PRO12 action later this week.
Rampant Ireland will go for the Triple Crown against England at Twickenham in two weeks' time after leaving Welsh hopes of achieving an unprecedented RBS 6 Nations title hat-trick hanging by a thread.
Wales launched their bid for an historic RBS 6 Nations title hat-trick in unconvincing fashion as underdogs Italy made them scrap every inch of the way to a 23-15 victory at the Millennium Stadium.
Warren Gatland admits the fallout from dropping Brian O'Driscoll for the summer's final British Lions Test will put an "extra twist" on Wales' trip to Ireland in the RBS 6 Nations.
Newport Gwent Dragons Chief executive Gareth Davies has admitted that should the Welsh regions fail to reach an agreement with the Welsh Rugby Union about next year, the four sides could join the Aviva Premiership.
As this year’s tournament draws closer, the 6 Nations championship promises a lot for reigning champions Wales. Warren Gatland this week announced his squad to mount their assault on what would be an historic third title in a row.
The four Welsh regions - Cardiff Blues, Newport Gwent Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets - have again confirmed their commitment to the English proposed Rugby Champions Cup.