England green light expected

England's players are expected to be given the go-ahead today to attend Wednesday's squad training session at Bisham Abbey, writes David Llewellyn.

A senior source within the English Professional Rugby Union Clubs hinted last night at an apparent U-turn regarding the release by clubs of their international players.

A full statement is expected today which will coincide with the announcement of Jack Rowell's latest attempt to get the players together prior to their opening international match, against Italy at Twickenham on 23 November.

The players boycotted the first training session following an agreement with Epruc, and the Rugby Football Union cancelled the second one to avoid a confrontation.