19 Mar 2009

England rugby players concerned about apparent threat

6:43 pm on 19 March 2009

England's rugby players' union is taking legal advice about a letter warning stars they could jeopardise their international places by moving abroad.

The four-page letter, signed by Rugby Football Union chief Francis Baron, was sent to all members of Martin Johnson's elite squad last week.

Damian Hopley, head of the Professional Rugby Players' Association, says they're taking legal advice with the concern that it becomes a restraint of trade.

The letter was sent in the wake of three England players - James Haskell, Riki Flutey and Tom Palmer - announcing last month that they would be moving to France at the end of the season.