England head coach Steve Borthwick will have increased authority over his top players following a groundbreaking new agreement in English rugby.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Under an eight-year Professional Game Partnership deal, up to 25 England players will receive “enhanced contracts,” with Borthwick granted the “final say on all sports science and medical matters.”
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) will pay Premiership clubs £33m per season as part of a plan to “create world-leading English teams and thriving professional leagues.”
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney described the agreement as a “game-changer” that will “reshape the rugby landscape.”
“25 awarded” – Big names miss out on England Central Contracts
RUCK has made bold predictions regarding the 25 players poised to snag central contracts from the RFU for the forthcoming 2024/25 season.
Front-row: 5
1. Ellis Genge
2. Dan Cole
3. Jamie George
4. Theo Dan
5. Will Stuart
6. Fin Baxter
Second-row: 3
1. Maro Itoje
2. Ollie Chessum
3. George Martin