English clubs refuse to back down in row with SRU

Premier Rugby insist they are not singling out the Scottish Rugby Union for special treatment after three English-based players were barred from taking part in a Scotland training session.

The body which represents England’s Guinness Premiership clubs instructed Leicester lock Jim Hamilton, Gloucester scrum-half Rory Lawson and Northampton wing Sean Lamont to sit out yesterday’s session at Murrayfield.