9 Apr 2014

IRB denies England request to have Eden Park test pushed back a week

9:28 am on 9 April 2014

The International Rugby Board has again blocked a request by the England Union to have England's opening June Test against the All Blacks pushed back a week.

With the match scheduled for June 7th, players involved in the English Premiership final on May 31st will be unavailable for selection due to player welfare regulations.

Saracens and Northampton are currently the top two sides and if they made the final, the likes of Owen Farrell, the Vunipola brothers, Courtney Lawes, Tom Wood, and Lee Dickson would miss out on the match at Eden Park.