Initial reports from France raised the spectre of renewed cross-channel tension, with Gallic clubs digging their heels in over access to their employees. But the RFU later insisted that Johnson is happy to let Wilkinson, Haskell and Palmer sit out most or all of the forthcoming training sessions. This may have been a reluctant concession on the England manager's part though - designed to avoid more tense club v country stand-offs during the coming season.
A statement released last night by Toulon read: 'Jonny Wilkinson will not be released to take part in practice with the England national team from August 8-13. The latter will honour his contract with Toulon Rugby Club so he can prepare for the first match of the season against Bayonne.'
Last summer, Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal insisted that his club would allow Wilkinson to fulfil all his England commitments, saying: 'We have signed a convention with the English federation. We will not oppose his presence in this training camp, nor at any other.' On that occasion, Wilkinson was released to join up with Johnson's squad at Twickenham, but he returned to southern France in time to make his Top 14 league debut against Stade Francais.
A year on, Boudjellal has been able to keep hold of his prize asset without a struggle. Toulon manager Tom Whitford told Sportsmail: 'We have not received an official call-up for Jonny. We haven't heard anything from the RFU.'
The RFU's concession over Wilkinson is understandable as their dealings with Toulon have been cordial to date. However, their willingness to let Haskell and Palmer leave after such a short period suggests an attempt to build bridges with Stade, whose charismatic chairman, Max Guazzini, was left seething by England's refusal to let Haskell play against Toulouse on a rest weekend during last season's Six Nations Rugby.
England prop Andrew Sheridan is poised to make his comeback after being out for 10 months following surgery on both shoulders. The 30-year-old loosehead travelled to France yesterday as part of the Sale squad for a pre-season friendly at Clermont Auvergne tomorrow night.
Five years after guiding his native Wales to a Grand Slam, Mike Ruddock has joined his son in commiting to the Irish cause. While Rhys Ruddock made his Test debut for Ireland in New Zealand earlier this summer, former Leinster coach Mike has been put in charge of the country's Under 20 team just three months after losing his director of rugby job at relegated Worcester.
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