Rugby, Australian Football: Clubs want fixture agreement

Rugby authorities in England and France have joined forces to seek clarification from the International Rugby Board over the approval of Test matches outside the Autumn window.

Premier Rugby - the umbrella organisation for the 12 Zurich Premiership clubs - and its French equivalent, Ligue Nationale de Rugby, are furious with the IRB's decision to give the green light to additional games outside the Autumn window.

Scotland's clash with Australia on November 6 has sparked animosity between coach Matt Williams and some Premiership clubs - led by Newcastle - who are refusing to release players for the encounter.

Premier Rugby and LNR have written to the IRB requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the increasing number of Test matches which are depriving clubs of some of their top players.

They will also complain that they were not involved during the compiling of Deloitte & Touche's recent report on implementing a global season.

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