The Barbarians have seen their preparations thrown into disarray after Andrew Sheridan and Mark Regan were banned from playing.
Regan and Sheridan blocked from facing world champions
The Barbarians have seen their preparations for their clash with world champions South Africa thrown into disarray after Andrew Sheridan and Mark Regan were banned from playing.
Sale and Bristol have reacted angrily to the inclusion of Andrew Sheridan and Mark Regan in the 22 to face the Springboks.
Bristol hooker Regan was expected to skipper the collection of internationals, however he has been told in no uncertain terms he will not be released, while Sale have also blocked Sheridan from taking part.
Bristol coach Richard Hill told
The Guardian: "As far as we are concerned, Mark will not be involved in the South Africa match.
"He has received a letter from the club to that effect and we have taken a very strong line over this."
Sale, themselves, released a press release clarifying their position over Sheridan's selection.
The statement read: "The news that Andrew Sheridan has been named in the Barbarians Squad to play against South Africa at the weekend is incorrect.
Confusion
"Andrew is currently in training with his Sale Sharks team mates, preparing for Friday evening's EDF Energy Cup game at Leicester Tigers."
Sheridan's agent, though, has added to the confusion by claiming the England prop would be free to play.
Mike Burton, who is also a member of the Barbarians' committee, said: "The new contract he [Sheridan] signed with the club last week contained an unconditional clause that allows him to play for the Barbarians against South Africa on Saturday.
"Clearly Sale are in breach of that contract. I will be speaking to Andrew to get his views on the matter. Any decision will be his and his alone."
However, Premier Rugby are set to back Sale and Bristol in their stances - having already had a agreement in place to stop the Guinness Premiership sides from releasing their players for the match.
A spokesman for Premier Rugby told
The Guardian: "The decision not to release players for the Barbarians was made at a meeting of all 12 Premiership clubs and it was a unanimous one."
