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England players agree rights deal
Deal done: RFU and PRA agreement complete
The RFU and the Professional Rugby Players Association have announced a new four-year commercial deal between Team England Rugby, representing England's Elite Player Squad and the RFU.
The agreement, which runs from July 1, 2008 until June 30, 2012, confirms match fees, win bonuses and image rights payments for England players and was brokered by the PRA, who have acted as commercial representatives for Team England Rugby since its inception in 2004.
The commercial deal is another positive development in relations, following the successful negotiation of a new block release system of international players, agreed between the RFU and the clubs' governing body, Premier Rugby, which took effect from July 1, 2008.
"On behalf of the PRA, Team England Rugby and the players, I am delighted that we have successfully negotiated a new, long-term commercial agreement that will protect the players' interests going forward for the next four years," said PRA CEO, Damian Hopley, who negotiated the deal on behalf of Team England.
"The agreement is another positive move for English rugby. It confirms a secure commercial working relationship between the players and the RFU, and allows everyone involved with Team England to focus purely on playing performance going forward."
Meanwhile, Team England Executive Committee member Danny Grewcock was delighted that the negotiations reached a conclusion in a swift manner.
"On behalf of the players, I would like to thank Damian Hopley and the PRA for their work in securing this new agreement. We are very pleased to be able to go into the new international season having concluded negotiations so promptly and smoothly," the lock said.
England Team Manager, Martin Johnson was also pleased to have resolved the issue having been a strong believer in player issues during his career.
"It's important that these off the field matters were resolved ahead of the 2008/09 season so everyone involved in the squad knows where they stand on commercial issues," he said.
"Everyone has bought into and supports the agreement and the squad are looking forward to preparing for the Investec Challenge series of matches in November."
