NZ Twickenham test goes to court

The fate of the All Blacks' November 5 rugby test against England at Twickenham should be known next week.

The player row between the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and top clubs went to court in London today (NZT), the BBC website reported.

Both sides are arguing over control of England's top players and disagree about their availability for the test.

The clubs' body, Premier Rugby, have said the date falls outside the agreement it has with the RFU.

They have refused to release any players from the 12 premiership clubs due to play that weekend.

The judge's decision is expected on Wednesday (Thursday NZT).

England are already playing Argentina and South Africa (twice) in the northern autumn.

The match against New Zealand was intended to celebrate the opening of Twickenham's new South Stand.

RFU chief Francis Baron had argued that the players should be made available as the match fell within the 2001 Long Form Agreement with Premier Rugby.

The RFU offered a £1 million ($3.01 million) compensation package to the clubs - a figure Premier Rugby disputes - plus additional compensation to those clubs affected by the game being staged on a Sunday.

- NZPA