Rob Andrew has warned the England players moving to France next season they must agree release dates with their new clubs or they will not be picked for international duty.

London Wasps are losing Tom Palmer and James Haskell to Stade Francais and Riki Flutey to Brive — and all three insist their new contracts meet Rugby Football Union demands.

However, Andrew has revealed he is going to France to meet those clubs and seek absolute assurances that the players will be allowed to take part in all squad sessions, stand-down periods and summer tours.

With the French championship continuing into June, this has serious implications for England players there as they must be released two weeks prior to any tour.

The RFU have informed the players by letter of the requirements but today's public statement by Andrew increases the pressure on those still to make the decision about moving to France.

The director of elite rugby said: “We've made it very clear we cannot stop people going but we can try to protect the integrity of the England programme and clearly if you cannot come to training, you are putting yourself at a massive disadvantage.

“We are saying they will not be picked in the England squad. We will be meeting some of the clubs to ensure that if a player wants to play for England, he will be released.

“For any England elite player, it's about taking responsibility for their own career and deciding how much they value playing for England.”

RFU chief executive Francis Baron said: “When team manager Martin Johnson names his elite squad on 1 July, it will be a judgment call about which players have complied.”