The Rugby Football Union is confident that they can agree terms on a new long-term deal with the Premiership clubs to guarantee the future release of England players beyond the next World Cup before the end of the year.
The current 8 year deal expires in June 2016, established the professional game board and created three elite squads - senior England, Saxons and the Under-20s.
Commencing in June 2008, the current deal saw the RFU pay £110 million to the Aviva Premiership clubs. This guaranteed the England management two weeks' access to players ahead of the Autumn internationals and the Six Nations as well as the summer tours. There is also a financial clause that acts as an incentive for clubs to field English-qualified players.
The deal seems to have been beneficial for both parties and is viewed as a success. The major debating points this time are likely to be money and access, with the Aviva Premiership wanting more cash and the RFU pushing for more flexibility and access to the players in the elite squads.
This summer England are going to New Zealand for three high-profile tests, yet they will be without many of their first choice side in the opening Test in Auckland on June 7th. This is a situation almost unthinkable in other sports.
The Aviva Premiership final at Twickenham falls the weekend before, and International Rugby Board protocols prevent players from being involved in both.
On Monday, Ian Ritchie, the RFU chief executive said that he hoped negotiations could be concluded before the end of 2014. Ensuring the build-up to next year's World Cup would not take place against a back drop of recriminations and dispute between the clubs and governing body.
“We’re of exactly of the same mind here,” Ritchie said. “It should be the next priority. Both the RFU and Premier Rugby Limited want this done sooner rather than later. There has to be a partnership and we need to get it properly sorted.”
The clubs are also demanding compensation for losing players and match income during the World Cup next year - as Premiership games cannot take place during the early stages - with some estimates of compensation reaching £14 million.
Ritchie avoided talk of a compensation figure and instead talked up the benefits to the clubs of England hosting the World Cup. Including the great national and international focus it will bring on the sport and its players.
“Having been so preoccupied with Europe, neither us nor PRL have been able to have a proper discussion recently and we’ve put World Cup compensation on to the backburner,” Ritchie said.
“That has to come on to the front burner. We understand there may be some losses, but we must also recognise there will be something that looks like an upside such as better attendances and more interest.”
“Having been so preoccupied with Europe, neither us nor PRL have been able to have a proper discussion recently and we’ve put World Cup compensation on to the backburner,” Ritchie said.
“That has to come on to the front burner. We understand there may be some losses, but we must also recognise there will be something that looks like an upside such as better attendances and more interest.”
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