English clubs are threatening to scuttle England’s new rugby Test with the All Blacks in November because they say they’re not obliged to make their players available.
England’s Rugby Football Union confirmed the November 5 Test on Monday along with live TV and ticket packages to help christen the new £100-million ($188-million) South Stand at Twickenham.
However, the Test fell outside the window for November internationals, and the clubs, through their collective body Premier Rugby Limited, say they may seek a ruling in court on whether they should be forced to release players for the match.
”Regrettably, in view of the urgency caused by the situation and in the interests of all parties, PRL will be writing to the RFU before seeking a court declaration on the issue of the proposed game,” PRL chief executive Mark McCafferty said.
The clubs have also linked their blessing for the match to a proposed new agreement between them and the union, which they will present on May 30.
RFU chief executive Francis Baron said a 2001 agreement with the clubs meant they had to release the players, but he added he’d offered compensation to the PRL and clubs affected by the Test being played on a Sunday.
”We want them positively involved and to not sit sniping on the sidelines,” Baron said. ”I can’t see this game being under threat. We have made a good and substantial offer. I believe that ultimately common sense will prevail.”
England will also play Argentina on November 11 and South Africa on November 18 and 25, and coach Andy Robinson said no England player will start more than three of the four Tests.
He relished the chance to clash with the All Blacks, the world’s top-ranked side.
”As a player and a coach you want to take on the best and, at the moment, that’s New Zealand,” Robinson said. – Sapa-AP