English officials have blocked Corne Krige's hopes of playing for the Barbarians this month.

South Africa's controversial World Cup captain recently received an eight-week ban after twice butting Waikato Chiefs' Derek Maisey during a Super 12 match between the Chiefs and Stormers in Hamilton.

But the disciplinary panel, sitting in New Zealand, decided that Stormers skipper Krige should be allowed to represent the Barbarians during their late May tour because of his "outstanding international record".

English Rugby Football Union (RFU) disciplinary officer Jeff Blackett took a different view, though. In a report to the RFU council, Blackett recommended that the Barbarians, as a member club of the RFU, should not select Krige, stating he did not recognise the exemption.

RFU council members yesterday supported Blackett's view, and the Barbarians will now not be able to consider Krige for games against Scotland, Wales and England between May 22nd and 30th.

Krige, who has been linked with a move to Northampton next season, is no stranger to disciplinary trouble.

He led South Africa during an infamous clash against England at Twickenham in November 2002 when the Springboks crashed to a 53-3 defeat, but Krige was the chief instigator of numerous unsavoury incidents that saw English players targeted by their opposite numbers.

Meanwhile, Wasps are ready to pile fresh misery on Gloucester today, just three weeks after destroying their European dream.

Lawrence Dallaglio and company will take another significant step in the relentless pursuit of a Premiership and European Cup double if they triumph at Kingsholm.

They would not only move top in the Premiership, knocking long-time leaders Bath off their perch, but also effectively end Gloucester's title hopes.

If Gloucester lose without clinching a bonus point, and Northampton beat Leeds tomorrow, then the west country club cannot join Wasps and Bath in the title play-off picture. That third position would be filled by Northampton.

The Waikato Chiefs went top of the Super 12 table after coming from behind to beat South Africa's Northern Bulls 24-22 yesterday.

The Chiefs now look sure to secure a semi-final berth for the first time, even though they have the tough ACT Brumbies in the final round-robin match next week.