The issue surrounding Mathew Tait's best position is no closer to resolution after he was named to play at outside centre for Sale Sharks at home to Leicester in the Guinness Premiership this evening. This will be the first time since Tait's move from Newcastle

Falcons last summer that he has started at No 13, where he has played most of his rugby. Rory Lamont, the Scotland player, lines up at full back as Sale, fifth in the table, take on a Leicester side that are one point and one place above them.

When he moved to Sale, the intention had been for Tait to further his limited experience at full back, the position in which Martin Johnson, the England team manager, envisaged him playing for the national side. Indeed, Tait was one of two full backs picked this season in England's original elite squad of 32 players, along with Josh Lewsey, but they have been superseded by Delon Armitage.

While Tait has often been used at centre in defence this season, Sale will seek to utilise his attacking talents in a partnership with Luke McAlister, as they aim to avoid a fifth consecutive home defeat. Leicester welcome back a host of internationals, including Jordan Crane, the No 8, who won his first England cap against South Africa last weekend.

Farther down the table, London Wasps go in search of only their second Premiership win of the season this evening when they visit Newcastle Falcons. Wasps are boosted by the returns of Simon Shaw, of England, and Eoin Reddan, of Ireland.

Premier Rugby Ltd, the organisation representing English clubs, has responded to criticism over the number of overseas players in the Premiership by stating that the proportion of England-qualified players has changed little since the league's inception in 1996. Jake White, the former South Africa coach, and Sean Fitzpatrick, the former New Zealand captain, among others this week, have argued that England's troubles stem from an over-reliance on hired hands at club level.

Figures released by Premier Rugby state that, in 1996-97, squads in the top flight included 64 per cent of English players, rising to 65 per cent when England won the World Cup in 2003. This season, the number of English players in 22-man match-day squads has fallen to 62 per cent, despite EU legislation allowing South Africans and Pacific Islanders to register as non-overseas “Kolpak” players.

“Our clubs are mindful of their obligation to produce talented English players,” Phil Winstanley, rugby director of Premier Rugby, said. “However, it is important those players play with and against the best players in the world to develop their skills and experience.”

As the Magners League returns this weekend after a five-week break, the Scarlets face Munster tonight, the first game at their new £23 million stadium, Parc y Scarlets.