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Last Updated: Thursday, 20 July 2006, 17:05 GMT 18:05 UK
Player row goes to the High Court
Premier Rugby/RFU graphic
The on-going battle between the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and England's top clubs continued when they met in the High Court on Thursday.

The two sides are arguing over control of England's top players and disagree about their availability for a 5 November Test against New Zealand.

The clubs' body, Premier Rugby, claim the date falls outside the agreement it has with the RFU, which disagrees.

The judge's decision will not be announced until next Wednesday.

England are already playing Argentina and South Africa (twice) in the autumn, while the match against New Zealand is to celebrate the opening of Twickenham's new �100m South Stand.

But the clubs are furious that the match has been arranged on a date which is currently designated for a full programme of Premiership matches, and Premier Rugby is refusing to sanction player release for the fourth autumn Test.

RFU chief Francis Baron had argued that the players should be made available as the match falls within the 2001 Long Form Agreement with Premier Rugby.

The RFU also offered a �1m compensation package to the clubs - a figure Premier Rugby disputes - plus additional compensation to those clubs affected by the game being staged on a Sunday.

SEE ALSO
RFU hits back over NZ autumn Test
07 Jun 06 |  Internationals
Clubs to get Lions cash from RFU
21 Feb 06 |  English
RFU hopeful of player agreement
08 Jan 06 |  English
Player row reaches crisis point
05 Jan 06 |  English


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