Scottish prop Euan Murray has found himself caught in political crossfire after Northampton Saints refused to release him for a British and Irish Lions pre-tour get together.

The Saints stopped the 28-year-old attending the Lions base in Surrey with the weekend's European Challenge Cup final against Bourgoin in mind.

But Lions manager Gerald Davies was left fuming with the Saints' prop's no show, one that Northampton claimed was down to a 'misunderstanding'.

"We informed each of the four home unions last autumn what our plans were for this week," said Davies.

"We pointed out that we wanted every player available on the Monday and nobody responded to say they disagreed with the schedule.

"We emphasised that there would be no training and those involved in cup finals would be released on the Monday afternoon. We are extremely disappointed that Euan Murray is unable to join us.

"Northampton haven't given any reasons but he will be joining us after their match on Friday night."