Last Updated: Fri, 02 May 2008 12:12
Leeds and Wigan have lost their dispute with New Zealand over the release of two players for the centenary Test in Sydney.
Rugby League's International Federation has ruled that Leeds full-back Brent Webb and Wigan scrum-half Thomas Leuluai must be allowed to play in the Test against Australia on the other side of the world.
The match clashes with the fifth round of the Challenge Cup next weekend, when Leeds play Harlequins while Wigan meet Whitehaven, and both clubs initially refused to release the duo.
But RLIF chairman Colin Love rejected a plea to excuse both players, stating the clubs had not proved under RLIF rules that the players should not be made available to play for their country.
If Webb and Leuluai do not travel to Australia, they will not be permitted to play for their Super League clubs within five days of the Test.
"We will abide by the ruling but we are very disappointed with the way the whole thing has been managed, by New Zealand in particular, and by the International Board," said Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington.
"It is ridiculous to place such demands on players. They should not be put in this position."
Wigan chief executive Joe Lydon said: "To expect a player to travel 24,000 miles and play three games in 11 days, including a Test match, is unfair."