England's rugby players have opted against giving a portion of their match fee to their Samoan counterparts ahead of their clash at Twickenham.
Dylan Hartley playing for England. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Anthony Watson revealed the possibility of donating part of the $45,000 they are paid for each test, as recently suggested by prop forward Mako Vunipola, would be discussed this week.
Samoa's union, who pay their players a match fee of $345, has been declared bankrupt by its chairman, but this claim is refuted by World Rugby.
England captain Dylan Hartley raised the issue among senior players and it was decided that they would not supplement the $43,000 goodwill gesture promised to the Pacific Islanders by the Rugby Football Union.
"As players we feel it isn't our place to get involved in what appears to be a complex issue between the Samoan union and World Rugby," an RFU spokesperson said in a statement issued on behalf of the players.
"We are aware that the RFU has pledged to make a goodwill gesture to them on behalf of everyone involved with England and we support that decision.
"As players we look forward to playing Samoa this weekend as I am sure they are too."
England's preparations for Sunday's Samoa match have been affected by the loss of No.8 Nathan Hughes to knee bruising.
Hughes was influential in the wins against Argentina and Australia and his ability to propel England over the advantage line will be missed.
Sam Simmonds is likely to fill the 26-year-old's boots, but Chris Robshaw is also a possibility.
"Nathan took a knock in training last week that was relatively innocuous, it was a bang, nothing more," forwards coach Steve Borthwick said.
Watson and Jonathan Joseph have been sent back to Bath after being deemed surplus to requirements.
