Premiership clubs release England players for all tests

Premiership rugby clubs have agreed to release their players for all four England tests this month after previously restricting them to no more than three starts.

"It is important that we all get fully behind our England players and coaching team over the coming two weekends," Premier Rugby chief executive Mark McCafferty told the Rugby Football Union's (RFU) website (www.rfu.com).

"The clubs want to demonstrate their continued support and help in getting England back to winning performances."

The world champions, who have lost their last seven matches in a row, meet South Africa in the first of two tests today.

"This is a very positive gesture and one I know that is appreciated by the RFU and by England head coach Andy Robinson and his coaching team," RFU elite director Rob Andrew said.

"It will help the selection panel decide the test team for the second test match against South Africa on Nov. 25 and broaden the options from which they can select the side."