The Rugby Football Union defended itself yesterday against accusations of seeking to take financial advantage of this year’s home World Cup by releasing additional England strips.

A total of six kits will have been issued over a two-year period but this figure has been increased by the need to observe World Rugby regulations that forbid sponsors’ logos from appearing on team jerseys at the global showpiece.

The England shirts on sale before the World Cup will be identical to the current kit released in September, apart from the absence of the logo.

The remaining four strips are the standard home and away editions released each year.

“We have brought out one new home and alternate strip each season for the last five years, as is normal across the sports industry,” an RFU spokesman said.