Boycott threatens North-South battle

The International Rugby Board's proposed North-South showdown at the Millennium Stadium in November is likely to be decimated by a widespread players' boycott.

The battle of the hemispheres, brainchild of IRB chairman Vernon Pugh, is due to be played every two years. But it has been criticised by the International Rugby Players' Association, which says players are increasingly at risk of burn-out.

A statement by the association said: 'The IRB's proposal to add yet another international fixture to an already cluttered playing schedule might be interpreted as having a blatant disregard for the issues of player burnout and injury rates.'

England have been drawn against Samoa, Canada and Spain in the group stages of the Emirates London Sevens at Twickenham. The event, which is part of the World Sevens series, takes place on May 24-25.