Bristol say they have not reached a deal with the Rugby Football Union over the appointment of Steve Borthwick as England forwards coach.
The RFU earlier released a statement confirming former England captain Borthwick will join new head coach Eddie Jones' backroom team.
Borthwick joined Bristol as forwards coach after the World Cup, having worked under Jones with Japan.
"We have not agreed Steve Borthwick can leave our employment," said Bristol.
Borthwick is understood to have handed in his resignation on Tuesday, but the club added they had not given the RFU permission to speak to Borthwick and would "take all reasonable actions as necessary to protect the club's position".
Before Bristol intervened, Borthwick was quoted in an RFU statement saying it was a "huge honour to be asked as these chances don't come around often".
The former England captain was due to be Jones' first appointment after previousforwards coach Graham Rowntree departed on Monday, along with Mike Catt and Andy Farrell.
"Steve has a huge amount of international experience as a player and a captain and his coaching in Japan in recent years shows he can get the best out of the players at the highest level," said Jones, prior to Bristol's response.
"He is a great addition and I look forward to working with him again as we look ahead to the start of the Six Nations next year."
Jones also called Borthwick a "young coach with great potential" and praised his "analytical" approach as part of the RFU announcement.
Borthwick-Jones partnership
Borthwick, 36, captained both Bath and Saracens during a 16-year playing career and won 57 England caps between 2001 and 2010.
The lock was part of the England side that reached the 2007 Rugby World Cup final in South Africa and was appointed captain by then coach Martin Johnson in 2008.
After retiring in 2014 with a record 265 Premiership appearances, Borthwick became Japan's forwards coach, helping Jones to mastermind the country's stunning victory over South Africa in this year's Rugby World Cup before signing a contract with Bristol.
Jones, who also worked with Borthwick at Premiership side Saracens, was named as Stuart Lancaster's successor in November, following England's dismal World Cup campaign.
Jones, 55, will take charge of his first match on 9 February when England face Scotland in the Six Nations.
Others in contention
Jones is also looking to name replacements for previous attack coach Catt and defence coach Farrell.
The former Australia head coach has asked another former colleague Paul Gustard to join his team, with the Saracens defence and forwards coachcurrently considering the offer.
Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder told BBC Sport that backs coach Alex King will meet Jones this week to discuss a position with England.
Mallinder says there has been no official approach yet from the RFU, but admits Saints will not prevent King from leaving if he was offered a role.
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