Pontypridd are prepared to travel without their alleged barroom brawlers if they secure a European Cup rematch against holders Brive in France. Under French law, number eight Dale McIntosh, hooker Phil John and centre Andre Barnard cannot visit the Correze region while investigations continue into events at Brive's Bar Toulzac.
An examining judge has told the trio they have a case to answer, and are therefore barred from entry unless Pontypridd can obtain legal exemption.
The bitter tournament rivals' latest collision course depends on results in this weekend's final round of European Cup group matches.
If current form prevails, then Welsh champions Pontypridd are set for a November 1st or 2nd quarter-final play-off place as best third-placed team, while Brive should be top runners-up.
Such a scenario would confirm their third meeting this season, Brive pinching the opener 32-31 at Parc Municipal des Sports, before Pontypridd held them 29-29 in an exciting Sardis Road return.
It will not happen should Pontypridd beat Bath on Saturday, or if Brive lose against Scottish Borders. Caledonia could also influence matters, beating Llanelli to steal best third sport providing Pontypridd suffer Recreation Ground misery.
"We've been aware of this situation for a while," said Pontypridd chief executive Cenydd Thomas.
"Ever since the first Brive game last month, we've known that special dispensation would be required with regard to Dale, Phil and Andre should we face another Brive trip.
"Gaining legal exemption is one option open to us, but the feelings of all three players concerned is just as important.
"They're our first consideration, and legal exemption or not, it could be that they wouldn't want to play in Brive anyway. We will stand by them, whatever situation arises," he added.
New Zealander McIntosh completes a 30-day suspension - imposed after he was sent-off alongside Brive flanker Lionel Mallier - next week, and would be available for a possible third encounter.
Feelings are still running high between the clubs, emphasised when Brive snubbed Pontypridd's post-match hospitality offer at Sardis Road a fortnight ago and headed straight off to CardiffWales Airport.
Pontypridd have written to the European Cup directors requesting a reduction in their £30,000 fine, imposed after the battle of Brive.
The Welsh champions believe their punishment - a £15,000 fine with £15,000 suspended - is too severe.
"We are not refusing to pay our fine," said club chief executive Cenydd Thomas. "But I have written to European Rugby Cup (ERC) Limited seeking a reduction.
"We want a situation whereby we have a £10,000 fine and £20,000 suspended," he added.
Pontypridd base their appeal on the basis that warring pool E rivals Llanelli and Pau were each fined £10,000, with a further £10,000 suspended, for what competition chief Roger Pickering termed "worse violence" than trouble that broke out between Brive and Pontypridd.
"We were told that the game in Pau was worse than the game in Brive, but for some reason we are left facing a stiffer fine," Thomas claimed.
Llanelli have less than a fortnight left in which to pay, but are maintaining their defiant stance against ERC's orders.
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