England celebrate with the trophy after their Six Nations success. Photo: Reuters
Source:
https://scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1994594/englands-rugby-football-union-and-premiership-rugby-agree-eight-year Rugby
England’s RFU agrees eight-year partnership with Premiership Rugby
Deal worth over £200 million will give coach Eddie Jones more flexibility in squad selection and additional training time ahead of Tests
England captain Dylan Hartley lifts the winners' trophy with team-mates following their victory over Australia in the third Test in Sydney in June. Photo: AFP
The Rugby Football Union and Premiership Rugby Limited have agreed on an eight-year partnership to strengthen the England team and domestic rugby in the country, the organisations said on Monday.
The agreement, worth over £200 million (HK$2.04 billion), will give head coach Eddie Jones more flexibility in squad selection and additional training time ahead of test matches.
England players who pass a minimum threshold of minutes played in the November tests and the Six Nations will have a mandatory rest period following the competitions.
“We look forward to working with Premiership Rugby over the next eight years to promote and support rugby in England,” Ian Ritchie, the Rugby Football Union’s chief executive, said in a statement.
“Player welfare, as ever, is a priority for us all, and so further rest periods have been built into the season. This is a true partnership focused on making English rugby the best in the world for club and country.”
Jones led England to the Six Nations title this year and a 3-0 test series victory in Australia after taking over as coach from Stuart Lancaster following the team’s dismal performance at last year’s World Cup on home soil.