England head coach Steve Borthwick has been granted increased authority over his elite players in a groundbreaking new agreement between the key figures in the men’s game.
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Under the terms of an eight-year deal, up to 25 England internationals will receive “enhanced contracts,” with Borthwick having the “final say on all sports science and medical matters.”
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) will pay Premiership clubs £33m per year, as the Professional Game Partnership seeks to “create world-leading English teams and thriving professional leagues.”
A notable update in the deal includes changes to the promotion and relegation system. From now on, a two-legged play-off between the bottom-placed Gallagher Premiership team and the Championship winner will determine promotion, provided the Championship side meets the required standards.
However, former England winger Mark Cueto, who enjoyed a distinguished career with Sale Sharks, voiced his frustration. Writing on X, Cueto said: “Complete ignorance and arrogance from the RFU/PRL – once again showing those making decisions are miles off. Madness!!”
The five most controversial refereeing decisions in rugby history have been ranked
Pilloried for the decisions they give and castigated for the ones they don’t, rugby referees do not have an easy job.
These days it’s even harder, as technology allows their every decision to be dissected and discussed by the watching public.
However, some calls are just so bad, they deserve to be pulled apart time and time again.
5. Mark Cueto’s try
Matthew Tait sliced open the Boks defence and hurtled towards the line. Andy Gomarsall moved it quickly to Mark Cueto on the left wing who dived through the tackle of Danie Rossouw and over the line.
Alain Rolland called for the TMO. It was tight. Impossibly tight. No try.
England were instead awarded a penalty which Wilkinson slotted, and roused by Cueto’s diving effort they had the momentum.
But the Springbok nut was impossible to crack. Montgomery’s boot kept a huffing and puffing England at bay, guiding his side to a 15-6 win.
South Africa were deserved World Champions, England the plucky, dethroned former kings.
But if Cueto’s ghost try had stood, it all could have been so different.