Number eight Martin Corry, second row Louis Deacon, hooker George Chuter and scrum-half Harry Ellis will not begin the match at Sixways and could be left out of the squad altogether.

But prop Julian White, who has spent the last two weekends on bench duty for England, may start with the Tigers addressing each case on its own merits.

Ireland full-back Geordan Murphy and Italy front rower Martin Castrogiovanni, who are both involved in the RBS 6 Nations, are also likely to be left out.

Tigers coach Richard Cockerill said: 'The welfare of our players comes first. We don't overplay our players and I don't think any other clubs do.'

Leicester's stance follows the decision by England to name their side to face Ireland yesterday, 11 days before the crucial Six Nations showdown at Croke Park.

It was hoped the move would enable clubs, who face a full programme of Premiership matches this weekend, to rest players who will be on international duty in Dublin.

Newcastle on Tuesday declared Jonny Wilkinson would not be asked to play against Bristol in what is a significant victory for England head coach Brian Ashton.

But Ashton faces an anxious wait for official confirmation on what position clubs such as Saracens, Sale and Gloucester would take.