Resting players is clubs' prerogative, England warned

Premier Rugby today defended the right of clubs to select England players for this weekend’s round of Guinness Premiership matches.

England named their team for the RBS 6 Nations clash with Ireland yesterday in the hope it would encourage the clubs to rest those players in action at Croke Park on February 24.

Newcastle have decided to omit Jonny Wilkinson from their squad for Sunday’s match at Bristol and none of Leicester’s international contingent will start against Worcester.

But while they have opted to rest anyone included in England’s starting line-up, Twickenham must wait for official confirmation on what position clubs such as Saracens, Sale and Gloucester will take.

Premier Rugby, the umbrella organisation for the 12 Premiership teams, has come out in support of those clubs by declaring they are at liberty to pick their England players if they wish.

A statement read: “There has been much speculation about the 22 players selected for the match against Ireland and their participation in Premiership round 15.

“The RFU has rightly confirmed that the decision as to whether a player plays during the fallow weeks of the Six Nations is entirely with the clubs.

“As ever the clubs will make this decision based on the right balance between playing and rest for each individual player.

“The decision as to whether any England player plays in this weekend’s Guinness Premiership matches will therefore remain with club directors of rugby.”