An escalating war of words between the Rugby Football Union (RFU) at Twickenham and the other unions, which is threatening England's participation in this year's Five Nations championship, may come to a head at a meeting in Dublin today when the deadline for the RFU's full compliance with a multi-million pound deal expires.

The latest dispute between England and other countries arises because the RFU want a three-year-old TV deal to be redrafted, while the Five Nations are demanding that England give total support to the current contract. A 10-year TV agreement was hammered out in a bitter row in 1996, but England are complaining that all its terms have not been met and Five Nations Committee chairman Alan Hosie said over the weekend: "If England confirm their acceptance of the 1996 agreement there will be no further action.

"But if their response is not satisfactory I will have to set in chain emergency meetings which might result in England's expulsion."

Hosie and his committee are insisting that the old TV agreement's acceptance by all nations is a condition of entry.

England want the contract rewritten to adapt to conditions for the next century, including the entry of Italy into a Six Nations tournament and to force France to sign a deal which remains conspicuously lacking a French signature.

Francis Baron, chief executive of the RFU, has described Hosie's stance as "seriously puerile".

Hosie said: "We want a response by noon Monday. It is a grave situation, but I hope it does not become worse.

"As a Scotsman I would love to come to Twickenham to watch Scotland open England's campaign in Five Nations 1999."

"All that the RFU is now asked to do is confirm in writing the following: `The RFU confirms that the accord dated September 1996 is binding and enforceable and governs the present and future relationship of the parties for the term of the agreement'."

But Baron said: "We have broken no clause or any rule and I wish Mr Hosie would tell us where we are alleged to have gone wrong - put up or please shut up.

"If you have broken no rules you cannot be expelled.

"Either the agreement is valid or it is not. There are five parties to the agreement and for it to be valid all must be signed up."

England have until noon today to respond to Hosie's request for full support of the current TV deal.

But it is believed that England will not respond to that request and will look for fresh talks in Dublin on the dispute.

With the championship starting in three weeks around £50 million has been invested in tickets, tourism, sponsorship and broadcasting and there could be massive litigation against the Five Nations if England were excluded.

Baron revealed that he has had no personal dealings with Hosie in his capacity as chief negotiator for the RFU.

"He seems to be ignoring me and I am surprised at his attitude and behaviour," he said.

"He has cancelled three meetings - on December 10th, 14th, and January 12th - one at very short notice. He has not spoken to me so I don't know how he can back up these threats."

Baron does not know whether he needs to fly to Five Nations headquarters in Dublin today but believes that the issue could be sorted out with "one simple meeting".

"But I can do nothing until I have one simple phone call or fax from Mr Hosie so that I can be appraised of the Five Nations Committee's situation without having to read it second-hand in the press. When I know what we are alleged to have done wrong then I can deal with it."

Hosie admitted that England were being given an ultimatum.

"If we do not receive a response sponsors and TV companies and the Five Nations will discuss swapping Italy with England.

"We want the RFU to give unequivocal support. All we have so far received from them is a solicitor's letter saying that they regard the accord as invalid and unenforceable."

Ireland are due to meet England at Lansdowne Road on March 6th - up to 20,000 English supporters are expected to travel to Dublin. It is believed that contingency plans are in place if England are expelled with Italy fulfilling the vacant dates.