English rugby's leading players could go on strike if the row between the top clubs and the game's governing body is not resolved.

The players' union are considering balloting members over taking action if the row between Premier Rugby and the Rugby Football Union over shareholding and voting rights in European Rugby Cup Ltd is not resolved.

The clubs want a share of voting rights but the RFU's refusal to hand that over has led to clubs in the English and French clubs deciding not to take part in European competitions next season.

Damian Hopley, chief executive of the Professional Rugby Players' Association in England, said: "If revolution is the only language that people can understand, then maybe we will have to ballot our members and see if they are willing to take strike action.

"If common sense doesn't prevail, then where else can you turn? The game is not so much shooting itself in the foot, as blowing off both feet."

Hopley told the Daily Telegraph: "We have this Jerry Springer-type washing of dirty linen in public, which does no-one any good."

The RFU have written to clubs to explain the legal implications of a European boycott and the PRA have been involved in talks with the Premier Rugby Board. However, talks between Premier Rugby and the RFU have so far not involved the players' union.