The Lions tourists who defied the Rugby Football Union by playing for Sale against Newcastle on Friday say they have done nothing wrong. The RFU has insisted on an 11-week break for England players that toured with the Lions this summer.
But Sale ignored the directive and played Jason Robinson, Charlie Hodgson, Mark Cueto and Andrew Sheridan for the full 80 minutes in the Falcons game.
"Nothing has been signed to say we can't play," said Robinson.
"We got the go-ahead from Sale owner Brian Kennedy and there was no question that we wouldn't be playing.
"The fans want to see the strongest team out there on the pitch because that's what they pay their money for.
 |  If the RFU are going to insist on this 11-week break, then perhaps they could look at the season starting a little bit later |
"It's the first game of the season, we're playing at home in front of a full house and all the players wanted to play."
The RFU claims a deal was struck with the clubs back in February.
Last week England coach Andy Robinson called on the Premiership clubs to stick to the agreement to prevent the players suffering burn-out.
But Hodgson, who scored 21 points in the win over Newcastle, says clubs have the right to use their players when fit and available.
"We are paid by our club and they thought it was the right decision to play us. It's got nothing to do with us as players - we just get told what to do," he said.
"You can understand both sides of the argument but it's probably one of those things that probably won't be resolved for a while.
"I think it's going to be an ongoing argument between the RFU and the clubs, but my main concern was playing well and getting a win and we did that."
Sheridan, who last played for the Lions against Manawatu on 28 June, says the rules governing a break should be clearer.
"Your club is your principal employer. If you're picked, you play, and it's for your club and country to deal with," he said.
"Player welfare is obviously important and you do need a decent break, there's no doubt about that.
"But at the same time, the rulings need to be clearer because I think a real lack of clarity is what has caused all these problems.
"If the RFU is going to insist on this 11-week break, then perhaps it could look at the season starting a little bit later."
Sale and Leicester are the most affected clubs and Martin Corry played 48 minutes for the Tigers against Northampton on Saturday.
MMIX
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