 Leeds are prepared to release Gordon Ross |
English clubs have been told they do not have to release Scotland players for a Test match against Australia. But Leeds Tykes appear ready to defy their parent body by releasing Gordon Ross, Duncan Hodge and Gavin Kerr.
Premier Rugby believes the late arrangement falls outside the International Rugby Board's official calendar 'window' for internationals.
But the Zurich Premiership's governing body deems acceptable Wales' clash with South Africa, also on 6 November.
Scotland coach Matt Williams told the Scotsman newspaper: "It's a disgrace. Whether it falls outside IRB rules or not, it is wrong for rugby.
"I find it sad that there are fine young men who will be denied an international cap."
Newcastle's Rob Andrew believed that they did not have to release Wales vice-captain Colin Charvis.
But Premier chief Howard Thomas told BBC Wales that Andrew was mistaken, as the instructions only referred to the release of Scotland internationals. "Rob is mistaken and I will have to speak to him to let him know," Thomas said on Tuesday morning, confirming that the dispute was solely with the Scottish Rugby Union.
The SRU added an extra Test match against the Wallabies, but that was not arranged until late in August.
"There will be no compulsory release of (Scotland) players," Thomas told The Scotsman newspaper.
"We haven't made this a three-line whip, but we expect clubs to play their full-strength sides that weekend.
"We have commitments to our sponsors, broadcaster and others and they have a right to expect the best.
"We can't allow the club game to be killed off because there is too much international rugby going on."
Newcastle have been told they need not release Scotland internationals Stuart Grimes and Craig Hamilton, while other Zurich Premiership clubs have received the same instructions.
Other England-based Scots who could miss the Test against the Wallabies at Murrayfield are Tom Smith of Northampton, Ben Hinshelwood of Worcester and Rob Russell of London Irish.
However, Leeds, who have former Wales international Phil Davies as coach, look set to defy Premier Rugby.
Several French clubs last month raised a similar argument - that the late addition of 6 November to the international calendar did not give them sufficient notice.
However, after the involvement of the IRB, Wales resolved that argument in its favour.
World rugby's governing body has always been clear that a club must release a player once he is called up for international duty, unless he is injured.
If those rules are again applied, then it is likely that Premier Rugby will be forced to back down.
Should a player not be released for an international match, he is then banned from playing for his club side during that period.
MMIX
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We can't allow the club game to be killed off because there is too much international rugby