Former England prop Jeff Probyn claims player welfare has nothing to do with opposition to the scheduling of an extra autumn international.
The Rugby Football Union have organised a fixture against New Zealand on November 5 to mark the opening of the new South Stand at Twickenham - to the fury of the Guinness Premiership clubs.
A round of league matches is due to take place on the same weekend and Premier Rugby Limited, who represent the 12 clubs in the English top flight, refuse to sanction player release for the fourth autumn Test.
PRL are seeking a ruling through the courts that means they will not have to provide players to England for that weekend and the case begins on Thursday.
Player burnout has been offered as one reason why the match should not be staged but Probyn, a legendary scrummager who won 37 caps for England, insists the game will be better served if the RFU pays off its debts as quickly as possible.
``Everybody talks about player welfare but the truth is that now players face fewer games than ever before,'' he said.
``They play once a week and don't work, so have less to do. This New Zealand game has got nothing to do with player welfare.
``If they weren't playing in the match then they'd be on Premiership duty. Unless it's being suggested that players don't give 100% for their clubs, the fatigue value is irrelevant to this issue.
``What is relevant is the fact that if the RFU doesn't hold this New Zealand game it will leave a big hole in the budget.
``That will affect the loans they've taken out and there will be less money available for everybody. All clubs benefit the sooner the RFU pays off the loan.
``The ill-conceived part of the November Tests is that there are two games against South Africa that are going to be held only a week apart.''
The increasing number of Tests has led to claims international rugby is becoming devalued but Probyn believes the world stage will provide the sport's future growth.
``If you play too many matches it does slightly damage rugby's prestige but if you want to improve rugby as a worldwide sport then you need internationals,'' he said.
``To develop international rugby Test matches are imperative because as it stands the World Cup will only be won by one of five teams.
``You can put 40 teams in it but most of them will never win it.''