Ashton was due to announce his 22-man squad early next week for the February 24 clash but is taking the unprecedented step in a bid to reach an agreement with the Guinness Premiership clubs.

There are three Premiership fixtures on Sunday - Bristol v Newcastle, Saracens v Gloucester and Wasps v Sale - which could see the majority of Ashtons squad involved.

Englands director of elite rugby Rob Andrew is charged with brokering deals between club and country and hopes to receive a sympathetic ear from the clubs.

Brian will be announcing the team on Tuesday to ensure that the Guinness Premiership clubs and the game know the players that we would appreciate being rested or benched this weekend, said Andrew.

I will be having discussions with the Guinness Premiership clubs during the course of this week regarding the resting of players and while there is no obligation on them to do so we would be very grateful for any support they could give us.

Irelands players are centrally contracted, meaning head coach Eddie OSullivan has the power to decide when his players play for their provinces.

Andrew added: What Brian would like, quite rightly, is the starting XV not to have to play (this weekend).

The biggest issue is that there are three Premiership games on Sunday.

It will mean (the players involved) wont do a great deal on Monday or Tuesday, will train Wednesday and go to Dublin on Thursday.

Whereas Ireland will have two weeks preparation, England will probably have one and a half.