Italy’s preparations for the Rugby World Cup have been suspended because a financial squabble.

The Italian federation said a training camp in the northern town of Villabassa had been called off after players refused to practise whereas the players alleged the federation sent them home.

The conflict appears to have arisen from the federation proposing a one-off bonus payment linked to full tournament performance while the players have demanded a match-by-match bonus scheme.

“The Italian Rugby Federation has taken note of the willingness expressed last night by the players called to Villabassa with the National Team, not to take part in the training and not to wear [FIR] sports equipment until reaching an economic agreement for participation in the summer preparation and the Rugby World Cup in September in England,” read an FIR statement.

“The stance of last night does not change the will of the Federal Council – fully shared by the staff of the national team – to reach a financial settlement with the players based not on mere participation in international windows but on concrete meritocratic principles related to performance.”

The FIR claims a “final proposal” has already been offered to the players, admitting the training camp will be suspended until an agreement is reached.

The federation president, Alfredo Gavazzi, said: “I’m disappointed with the attitude taken by the players. The offer that was presented is consistent with our current positioning and with agreements between athletes and federations closest to us in the rankings.

“We remain confident that, as always, common sense will prevail and together we can give an important turning point in the future in relations between the federation and the Azzurri.”

Italy have won only one Six Nations match in the past two seasons and are down to 15th in the world rankings.

At the World Cup Italy have been drawn in Pool D with France, Ireland, Canada and Romania.