England risk Euro challenge

RUGBY Players’ Association chief executive Damian Hopley has warned England’s stance on not selecting players based abroad could be challenged under European law.

Hopley broadly supports the RFU move to bring England players of all levels under their control in the build-up to the 2015 World Cup on home soil.

But he is concerned that players’ earning potential will be hit if they have to turn their back on the possibility of lucrative contracts with French Top 14 clubs.