Selection dispute casts shadow over RFU funding

The Rugby Football Union faces losing £4m of public money after Sport England threatened to withdraw funding over the continued row regarding international selections.

Sport England has a contract with the RFU for the allocation of lottery funding to the tune of £8m, contained in which is a clause that stipulates the release of all players selected for international call-ups.

The England coach, Clive Woodward, has been working towards an agreement whereby selection for national teams remains the main focus, but has been frustrated along the way with certain clubs not honouring the "élite player agreement".

Lloyds TSB has ended its five-year association with the Six Nations' Championship.

Bath have confirmed the signing of the French international tight-head prop, Alessio Galasso, from the French side Montferrand.

The International Rugby Board wants to see a reduction of replacements during international matches from a maximum of seven to four.