The Rugby Football Union (RFU) were adamant Wednesday James Haskell would stay with England's squad rather than be released to Stade Francais for their Top 14 clash against Toulouse this weekend.
Under an agreement between the RFU and England's Premiership clubs, England's players do not play domestically during the competition unless released by national team manager Martin Johnson.
However, Stade president Max Guazzini told AFP that no such agreement exists between French clubs and the RFU, leaving Haskell free to play on Saturday for the Parisian side he joined before the start of this season.
This week is not considered an international week by the International Rugby Board as there are no Six Nations matches this weekend.
But the RFU insist they do have an agreement that allows the 24-year-old flanker to remain with the England squad.
"Our position is as it has been for the past two days," an England spokesman said Wednesday.
"James will be staying with England as his contract with Stade Francais allows him to be available during EPS (Elite Player Squad) periods. We have nothing further to add to that."
However, Guazzini told AFP on Monday: "We have contacted the English Federation to ask them to release Haskell.
"We have also contacted the player to ask him to return here immediately. Stade Francais is not an English club, and is not bound by this agreement."
Haskell has featured in the last 20 England Tests and has started all three matches of the current Six Nations campaign, scoring two tries and earning the man-of-the-match award in the 30-17 victory over Wales at Twickenham.
Stade Francais will have their French internationals available -- which was not the case 10 days ago when they were barred from playing in the Top 14 ahead of France's Six Nations match away to Wales -- for what is a crucial match for Guazzini's side.
Stade are presently seventh, a place outside the top six sides that will qualify the end of season play-offs and five points behind Racing-Metro, whilst Toulouse are fourth with six matches remaining.
