Sharks and Tigers left in limbo

The RFU will make no decision on the Lions players availability debate for two weeks.

Sale and Leicester could face heavy fines or even docked points for refusing to adhere to RFU demands, but they will not find out their fate for at least another two weeks.

The RFU claim that an agreement was reached forbidding any English international players involved in the British and Irish Lions tour to play more than 40 minutes for their clubs during the 11 weeks after their final tour appearance.

However, Sale and Leicester both insist that such an agreement regarding the Lions tour was not reached.

As a result, Mark Cueto, Jason Robinson, Charlie Hodgson and Andrew Sheridan featured for the Sharks on the opening weekend, as did Martin Corry for the Tigers.

The RFU have now announced that a decision will not be made for two weeks, and they also added that the situation would continue to be monitored during that period.

A statement read: "The RFU has assessed the games played at the weekend in the Premiership featuring the English players who toured with the Lions and an interim report has been submitted to the RFU's chief executive.

"The RFU will continue to monitor the situation regarding adherence to the agreed 11-week elite player rest and recuperation period over the next two weekends.

"A final report will be submitted to the RFU management board at its regular monthly meeting on September 21 covering the first three weekends of the season.

‚Ç£The RFU management board will announce any decisions it has taken following that meeting."

But Premier Rugby, the umbrella organisation for the 12 Guinness Premiership clubs, responded with a statement reaffirming their belief that the England Rugby Limited (ERL) holds the final authority on the matter.

"Premier Rugby believes the management of any member of the Elite Playing Squad to be a matter for England Rugby,‚Ç¥ read a statement from Premier Rugby.

‚Ç£The next scheduled board meeting of England Rugby Ltd is on September 22.