Eddie Jones preparations for England’s Six Nations finale against Italy have hit a roadblock after it was confirmed Premiership teams will be able to hold onto their players for the Premiership final.
The men in white are just one bonus-point win away from winning the 2020 tournament.
But the match, in Rome on October 31, comes a week after the Premiership Final for which, it has been confirmed, the clubs will keep their Test stars.
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Jones often likes to prepare his sides a fortnight in advance, but will now be forced to change his usual plans.
As things stand Exeter lead the table ahead of Sale. A Chiefs-Sharks final would involved Henry Slade, Manu Tuilagi, Tom Curry, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Jack Nowell.
British & Irish Lions predicted 2021 squad, according to the bookies
BACK-THREE (8):
Jonny May (England 1/25), Josh Adams (Wales 1/18), Liam Williams (Wales 4/7), Stuart Hogg (Scotland 4/6), Anthony Watson (England 4/6), Jacob Stockdale (Ireland 4/6), Elliot Daly (England 10/11)
CENTRES (5):
Jonathan Davies (Wales 1/3), Manu Tuilagi (England 1/3), Garry Ringrose (Ireland 4.6), Robbie Henshaw (Ireland 5/6), Henry Slade (England 10/11)