AS the wrangle continues about the release of London Irish players to represent their provinces in the European Cup, the club has called the members they have in the Ireland squad to a meeting in London this afternoon.

But there were firm indications yesterday that at least some of the players have decided that, they are going to play for the provinces, despite the club's stated refusal to release them. I understand, too, that the players have taken legal advice concerning their contracts with London Irish and the promises made initially by the club about their availability. Their club contracts do not include a specific clause about release for the European Cup.

Confirmation of the meeting in London today came in a statement from the Ireland manager, Pat Whelan, and the London Irish club yesterday afternoon. Whelan said in his statement:

"The London Irish players in the Irish senior international panel are to attend a meeting with London Irish tomorrow to discuss their position regarding availability for the Irish provinces in the forthcoming European Cup. It is hoped that London Irish will release the players for the European Cup campaign."

Meanwhile, the management committee of London Irish met last night and representatives from the board of the trading company that runs the commercial affairs of London Irish will meet the players today. The board consists of David Jackson, who is chairman, Alan McCartney, the financial director, John Rowan and the club's chief executive, Duncan Leopold.

The Ireland players, who had been attending the squad training sessions in Belfast for the past two days, had been spoken to by Whelan on the European issue on Sunday night. Feelings have been strong among the players that they want to play for their provinces and they feel aggrieved, especially in the light of previous guarantees that they are now being refused. They are certain to convey those views to the board officials today.

While the statement issued last Friday by the president of the IRFU, Bobby Deacy, did not say specifically that if the players did not play in the European campaign they would be ruled out of contention for the national team, it did emphasise that not participating in Europe was detrimental to the best interests of the team and, by extension, the players.

The London Irish club is adamant that the Irish team management has indicated to the players that if they do not play in the European Cup it will have an adverse effect on their chances of selection for Ireland in the match against Western Samoa in Dublin next month.

Whelan would not confirm that: "I do not think it is in the best interests of the players to make any further statement until after they have met the club," he said.

Leopold said last night: "I have been informed by players that the Ireland manager has made that specific threat. I must say I find it very unfortunate that this should happen. In fact, I see that as an encouragement to the players to break their contracts with London Irish and all that such a happening entails.

"That causes me great concern. That is a matter that should be between the IRFU and the club. When I spoke to the Irish manager on Friday he also said that if the players were not released he would recommend the IRFU sever association, with the club. I do not think threats such as that and a few more that were made are a way round the problem."

Whelan said he would not respond to the statements made by Leopold. "I am not going to have a debate with London Irish through the news media, written or electronic."

Leopold said representatives from the London Irish trading company will meet the Ireland squad players this afternoon. Following that meeting there will be a meeting involving all members of our squad and the issue will be discussed at that as well."

He would make no promises about the players being released. "We will hear what the players have to say and make our decision then."