People have questioned Joel Tomkins' selection for the 4 nations and whether it has been merited on form. I make no comment on that. Is it possible that international selection was part of the deal for him returning to RL? No reason for supposing so, just that today's Times says / alleges the England RU coach in effect scuppered Armitage's return from France to Bath by failing to promise immediate selection for the England squad. Have Bath done such a deal with Sam Burgess as the England RU squad?

Surely it makes a mockery of international sport if a club tries to buy a player on the basis that part of the funding effectively comes from the international arm of the sport on the basis that said player gets straight into the international squad? If that is happening where is the integrity in sport? May as well sanction drugs use, betting, etc!

I don't think it's quite on the same scale as sanctioning drugs/betting etc, but I do see your point.
There have been many alleged occasions of players (especially in soccer) demanding to be first choice at club level as part of an agreed transfer, and it's something I've always thought ridiculous; the shirt needs to be earned by performance in matches and training sessions. I've never heard of international shirts being guaranteed, but I suppose it is possible.