WIGAN have lost their battle with New Zealand over the release of Thomas Leuluai for the centenary Test between the Kiwis and Australia on May 9.
The Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) ruled that the Warriors scrum-half, along with Leeds full-back Brent Webb, must be allowed to play.
Both Super League clubs initially refused to release their players because the international clashes with the fifth round of the Carnegie Challenge Cup, in Wigan's case a home tie with Whitehaven the following Monday.
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But RLIF chairman Colin Love rejected a plea to excuse both players.
The executive ruled in favour of New Zealand, stating the clubs had not proved under RLIF rules that the players should not be made available to play for their country.
England's Rugby Football League will now press for an overhaul of the regulations, while Wigan and Leeds were quick to express their disappointment at yesterday's ruling.
Wigan chief executive Joe Lydon said: "Our whole stance was based on player welfare and the fact that a one-off Test in the middle of our domestic season is less than ideal.
"To expect a player to travel 24,000 miles and play three games in 11 days, including a Test match, is unfair."
Brian Noble, meanwhile, has warned the JJB outfit they must not let themselves be distracted ahead of tomorrow's clash with St Helens at the Millennium Magic - the last of six games staged in Cardiff over the weekend.
"There are five games before us and a lot going on," said the Wigan coach. "It's not ideal. We are sharing changing rooms, so teams are coming and going. We really have to keep our focus."
The Cherry and Whites are without suspended second rower Gareth Hock, but prop Paul Prescott is available after a two-month absence with a knee injury.
Saints will be without skipper Paul Sculthorpe and Maurie Fa'asavalu, but Leon Pryce, Mike Bennett and Paul Wellens are all available again.
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