Woodward's squad take on the paupers

The growing chasm between rugby's haves and have nots will be clearly visible when England take on Canada at Fletchers Field in Toronto tomorrow.

Canada, who will attempt to stop England extending their eight-match winning sequence, are a largely part-time squad and have to fund their rugby careers through their own pocket.

However, the hosts have received a boost on the eve of the game with Norton Rose, a London-based international law firm, agreeing a sponsorship deal for the match.

It's a welcome input of cash for a Union that is attempting to fully embrace professionalism, despite a small playing base. In contrast, England are operating on a £500,000 budget for this tour and it is just a small part of manager Clive Woodward's multi-million pound backing from the Rugby Football Union while the Lions, who leave today for Australia will share a £1 million prize fund should they remain unbeaten.

While Canada's Winston Stanley and Morgan Williams play professionally in Europe, other players in the national squad must negotiate extra time off work and balance sport with family life.

"The biggest sacrifice is lost wages," said Ryan Banks, who is suspended from tomorrow's clash. "It is being able to get someone to hold down your job while you are away for three weeks, then go back for two, then leave after another two.

"The National Union are very generous but getting the strongest team out on the pitch is not always easy because of the different balances we all have to weigh up."