In a historic achievement, Anthony Watson has become the first male England player to secure a training contract with the Rugby Football Union (RFU).
Initially listed as “unattached” in the recent England squad update, the 29-year-old has now been granted a direct payment from the RFU until the conclusion of the World Cup.
This significant development took place after his previous contract with Leicester expired. Interestingly, RUCK sources suggest that Leicester Tigers have agreed to sign Watson after the World Cup.
Despite interest from French clubs, particularly Castres, the RFU intervened and secured Watson’s services, heeding the recommendation of England’s head coach, Steve Borthwick. The decision was made to retain the exceptionally talented player within the Premiership.
Throughout the challenging 2023 Six Nations campaign, Watson shone as one of the few bright spots for England, even though the team ultimately finished fourth in the tournament.
It’s important to clarify that this agreement differs from a central contract, as seen in Ireland, where the Irish Rugby Union directly covers the wages of its top players. Instead, the RFU’s move was a short-term solution to ensure Watson’s continuity after his contract with Leicester came to an end.
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THREE PLAYERS DROPPED FROM WORLD CUP SQUAD:
Steve Borthwick has updated his England squad for the World Cup with Bevan Rodd recalled to the group one week after being dropped.
Billy Vunipola and Ollie Lawrence have returned to the England training squad as preparations continue for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers) and Jack Walker (Harlequins) will also join up with the squad to continue their rehabilitation.
See who fell out of favour this week.
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THREE PLAYERS RELEASED FROM WOWLRD CUP SQUAD:
#1. CADAN MURLEY
Murley joined Harlequins’ Academy full-time in the 2017/18 season.
He made his debut for the Club against Scarlets in the Anglo-Welsh Cup in January 2018.
A combative runner who represented England U18s and England U20s, Murley has enjoyed a steady rise in the pecking order at the Club since the 2018/19 season where he scored three tries in 12 appearances.
He followed that up with seven tries in 20 games in 2019/20 and three tries in 14 appearances in 2020/21 including a start in the Premiership Final win over Exeter.
He brought up his 50th appearance in the first home match of the current season against Worcester Warriors.
