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Wasps have moved to clarify their position on GB 7s selection following claims Christian Wade had been told he cannot compete at next summer's Olympics.

Reports in both the Daily Mail and The Telegraph on Wednesday morning suggested the Premiership club had informed the winger to forget about appearing at the Rio Games.

In a statement, though, Wasps stressed they have not been approached about Wade's availability and indicated they would be powerless to stop an Olympic call-up due to World Rugby regulations on player release.

However, Wade's release for a World Series event - that would confirm his eligibility - seems highly unlikely.

"No one from GB 7s has approached the club asking if Christian Wade, or any other player, is available to represent GB 7s at the Olympic Games," the statement reads.

"Wasps have always been, and remain, incredibly supportive of our players representing their respective countries, the highest honour any player could achieve. This can be seen not only from players released for England, but also Wales, Scotland, Samoa and Italy in the current season.

"There isn't a tradition of Premiership stars playing in the Sevens World Series. Those squads are made up of professional 7s players who play 7s week in, week out, who are employed by the RFU.

"However, the Olympic Games Sevens' competition is covered by World Rugby's Regulation 9 regarding international player release. As such, selected players for any nation will be released for the event in accordance with the Regulations. Our understanding is this covers the 21-day-period leading up to and including the Olympics, but not prior to this. This is Premiership Rugby policy, agreed unanimously by all clubs."