 Corry is the only Lion named in Leicester's team for the weekend |
England's Premiership clubs have refused to give ground in the row over the rest period for players who took part in this summer's Lions tour. The Rugby Football Union is insisting on a mandatory 11-week rest period for all England players, claiming the clubs agreed to this in February.
But the clubs dispute the existence of any agreement and have vowed to field Lions tourists at the weekend.
Sale and Leicester are the most affected, with 11 Lions between them.
"Several of our clubs have had to revert to the original position - that Lions players are immediately available to play," read a statement from Premier Rugby, the umbrella organisation for the 12 Premiership clubs.
"Individual decisions will be made in agreement with each player on his match fitness and general welfare.
"This disagreement is particularly regrettable since clubs such as Leicester and Sale have been consistent supporters of the England team over many years.
"It has been clear for some time that this particular issue was not covered by existing agreements on rest periods."
England coach Andy Robinson begs to differ and last week said the issue had been clear-cut since February and that 11 weeks' rest was the bare minimum.
"The agreement is in place and it's important that all parties support it," said Robinson.
"As far as the RFU is concerned, and contrary to some of the comments I have read, the position is not confused. It has been clear since February."
If the Lions trip is included as part of the mandatory 11-week break for England squad members, players who appeared in the third Test will not be eligible for their clubs until 24 September.
The new Premiership season starts on 2 September.
Leicester have named skipper Martin Corry in their team to play Northampton, with fellow Lions Graham Rowntree and Ben Kay on the bench.
Corry played in eight of the 11 matches in New Zealand - more than any other Lion on the tour - but he was keen to play for the Tigers this weekend.
"You might argue my last proper piece of action was in the midweek match against Manawatu, the best part of two weeks before the end of the trip," he said.
"When it comes down to it, I am a player. This is what I do."
New Wasps director of rugby Ian McGeechan, who also coached the Lions midweek side in New Zealand, said the situation did not have to become a stand-off between the RFU and the clubs.
"It comes down to player welfare," McGeechan told BBC Radio Five Live.
"I feel sympathy for Sale and Leicester having so many Lions players. It does impact on them.
"Sometimes player welfare isn't just the number of games, but the way you manage them in the weeks leading up to matches.
"We need a good, honest rapport between clubs and international coaches to ensure the players can play successfully at club and international level."
MMIX
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