Aviva Premiership trio AJ MacGinty, Thretton Palamo, and Titi Lamositele may benefit from a surprise decision by Premiership Rugby to release players for internationals set to be played on the first weekend in November. Those dates fall outside of World Rugby’s official test window, and clubs are thus not obliged to release players to international teams under Regulation 9. Premiership Rugby’s position not to release any players outside the window also affected other teams, specifically Wales and the Barbarians. They have now agreed to release Jamie Roberts, George North, and all English-based players to Wales in a ‘one-off’ decision that, according to their statement, will also apply to other teams.

“This [decision] comes as we continue deliberations on a new post-2019 global season structure to find an appropriate balance between club and international rugby. We are showing flexibility to help a number of unions who have decided to play on this particular weekend but we must stress this is a one-off variation to the allowed window while discussions continue.”

While this does not apply to any Guinness Pro 12 or France-based players such as Blaine Scully or Samu Manoa, it would be a big boost to the Eagles side if the three World Cup starters are allowed to join the team for the match against the New Zealand Māori in Chicago on November 4. Also in contention would be uncapped Newcastle Falcons forwards Paddy Ryan and Nick Civetta. Tighthead prop Ryan has thus far not been included in Eagles plans but having been born in the ‘Windy City’ would be a good fit for the match should he be selected. Civetta was included in the most recent Eagles Elite squad and recently made his European debut for Newcastle against Ospreys.