THE head coach of Thurrock T-Birds has slammed the RFU’s decision to withdraw England’s sevens stars from 15-a-side rugby this season.

Heather Fisher, Kay Wilson, Emily Scott and Rachael Burford have all been ruled out of lining up for the T-Birds this term.

And their head coach Dean White is furious to have been told of the decision just six weeks before the start of the new season.

“We’re really quite cross about this and to be given just six week’s notice about it all isn’t good enough really,” said White.

“We didn’t know anything about it until we got a text message from one of the players asking if we knew about the situation.

“We got in touch with the RFU to ask if it was the case and it was only then that we found out.

“It’s not really the way things should be done and we’ve now got to go out and find ourselves four new players ahead of the new season.

“The RFU said it was down to player welfare but I don’t think the players get enough games as it is.

“I think it ultimately comes down to the funding pot but they should’ve given us at least a season’s notice about this.”

White, whose side only just missed out on promotion to the Premiership last season, insists he may now have to look to abroad to bolster his squad.

And he also revealed clubs could refuse to take their England internationals back on board.

“We’ve spoken to other clubs in the same boat and we’re all thinking of getting together and signing something which says none of us will have the England players back at the end of the season,” said White.

“What are the RFU going to do then? Enough is enough really and the way we’ve been treated we’re now going to look abroad for players.”