Well, here’s something the English players might actually win….

Rugby Players’ Association chief executive Damian Hopley has suggested that England’s plan to select only players based in England could bring legal action on the Union.

The Rugby Football Union revealed last week that following the 2011 Rugby World cup only players based in England would be considered for selection.

England host the 2015 Rugby World Cup and want to give themselves the best possible chance of winning that cup and do not want to face obstacles with player access.

Hopley however says that if the RFU go ahead with the selection policy it could affect players’ earning potential.

“I am sure the stance is eminently challengeable if a party wanted to take it further,” he told the BBC.

“We want the best players for England but this approach could be seen as somewhat heavy-handed.

“I understand the intentions behind the approach but there are a lot of people in the game who are nervous about the execution and practice of what is being requested.

“We all have to be realistic about EU legislation and if there is a restraint on a player it goes to the heart of freedom of movement for our members.

“We will be taking legal advice once we see the letter (sent to players by RFU chief executive John Steele) but I have no doubt if there was an appetite by an agent or a player to consider challenging this they would be on strong ground.

“Players will now be forced to make some very big decisions about their careers far sooner than some may have anticipated.”

There are three players in the England squad currently who play their game outside of England. Two of them – Jonny Wilkinson (Toulon) and James Haskell (Stade Francais) – come out of contract at the end of this season and if they extend they could end their international careers.

The third player – Tom Palmer – also plays at Stade Francais and he has one more year left on his contract after this season and it is understood that as the contract is existing he would not be penalised, , unless he signs an extension.

Cash rich French clubs are always looking to sign internationals and Sale Sharks prop Andre Sheridan is said to be considering a move to France which he may now have to reconsider.

“We want to do what is best for English rugby and we recognise having our best English players based in the Premiership and having strong Heineken Cup squads is best for English rugby and ultimately England,” said Hopley.

“We unequivocally support making the Premiership the best in the world but we can’t look at it in isolation. Players have to be mindful they are one injury away from ending their careers.

“They need to be maximising their earning potential in an environment that benefits both their rugby and post-rugby careers.”

Hopley added that one longer term solution would be to consider an increase in the salary cap from its current level of GBP 4m as players would then not have to move abroad to earn the big money.

“We have to look at all things in the round including the salary cap so we can compete financially and holistically to make ourselves more attractive,” he said.

“We have to look at how we operate as an industry and the entire offering for our players to ensure we make retaining our top players a priority.”