Under the terms of a new eight-year Professional Game Partnership (PGP) between the Premiership (PRL) and the English Rugby Football Union (RFU), Steve Borthwick, head coach of the England team, has acquired greater authority over the playing schedules of a select group of England internationals for their club games. The RFU contributes £33 million (€39 million) annually to the clubs as part of the agreement, giving the head coach enhanced supervision over his players. Under this arrangement, the head coach’s approval would be mandatory on any sports science and medical matters concerning players with improved contracts.
RFU CEO, Bill Sweeney, has declared the agreement as a significant step forward. While this doesn’t provide Borthwick with unrestricted power to influence Premiership games team selection, it does give him more influence than previously presumed. Refuting claims by Northampton rugby director, Phil Dowson, that disputes between clubs and England over player availability due to medical concerns would be resolved by an impartial committee, the RFU clarified that Borthwick’s voice would be crucial.
Borthwick currently has two players, Jamie George and Maro Itoje on these improved contracts worth £160,000 (€190,000) annually. He possesses the option to offer up to 25 such contracts, but there are concerns about the RFU’s financial capacity. While the PGP has been announced, discussions with the senior players are still ongoing to finalise the details.
Ellis Genge recently disclosed that the growth in the representation of England’s rugby team, now known as Team England Rugby, has been notably slow. This was brought into the limelight as the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Premiership Rugby Limited (PRL) announced the Professional Game Agreement (PGA). It is expected that, once negotiations are settled, Borthwick will offer improved contracts prior to the autumn internationals, thus acquiring the ability to have a say in the selection of more players.
Rob Baxter, the director of rugby at Exeter, has expressed unease about the deal potentially allowing Borthwick to have an indirect sway over selection. Baxter voiced his apprehension about the workings of the medical intervention part of the agreement. He noted that the success of the agreement will be proven over time – it will be considered successful if England players are not only playing numerous England games but also managing to stay fit to play for their clubs at the Premiership and Champions Cup.
On another note, Wayne Barnes, a renowned former international referee, has been appointed as a representative of the RFU on the strengthened Professional Game Board (PGB). The PGB will have an independent chair, two independent members, representatives from the RFU, PRL, and Rugby Players’ Association. The PGB is now accountable for the governance of the new agreement and for resolving any disputes that arise.
Additional key elements of the deal involve restructured academy frameworks, development systems, and a pledge to promotion and relegation within the Premiership and the Championship through a two-legged playoff.
Concluding, RFU’s Sweeney stated that this eight-year commitment is poised to change the landscape of rugby and gives a fresh start to supporting, showcasing, and funding the sport for the next decade and beyond. He added that they have spent the last two years analysing the data and listening to all facets of the game to fully understand the future needs of rugby.
Despite enduring a loss of £150 million in revenue due to the Covid pandemic, and a rise in operational expenses by £30 million over the past four years as a result of inflation, the RFU finds itself in a secure financial state. We have now attained a prominent marker in altering our expenditures into a bona fide investment alliance in the professional game, featuring shared strategies, targets and risks.
The England national team reaps the benefits through having domain over the programs for independent development, medical services, and strength and conditioning for the country’s finest players at the top of their performance, primed to represent their nation. Meanwhile, the local community game gains from the well-managed and funded training academies which encourage every young athlete to reach their highest potential. Winning England teams generate revenue, which is then reinvested into the game as a whole. – Guardian