Danny Care ‘sees benefits’ to hybrid contracts for England and Premiership Rugby in the future

England scrumhalf Danny Care on potential hybrid contracts: “England need to have their best players in England and if there are ways in which we can do that, which could help the club game and make clubs more sustainable, then I think the players would be there get started.”

Danny Care believes hybrid contracts would be beneficial for English rugby if they manage to keep the country’s best players in a financially viable Gallagher Premiership.

The Rugby Football Union and Premiership Rugby are at an advanced stage of negotiations over a settlement that would give England head coach Steve Borthwick greater control over around 20 members of his squad.

As well as giving Borthwick a say in how a player is managed and conditioned whilst playing in the Premier League, the watered-down form of central contracts would help clubs retain their England internationals despite the higher wages on offer abroad.

Expanding Twickenham’s influence in this way would represent a significant adjustment to the way the club-country partnership has worked since the introduction of professionalism in 1995 – and Care sees the benefits.

“Is there one available for me? I’m not sure I’ll see one!” scrum-half Care, 36, said from England’s World Cup camp in Le Touquet.

“We want to see English players playing in England, I’m absolutely right about that.

Care said hybrid contracts can ‘help clubs become more sustainable’ and ‘keep the best English players in England’

“England need to have their best players in England and if there are ways in which we can do that, which could help the club game and make the clubs more sustainable, then I think the players will agree to that. Hopefully that can be done.” be sorted.”

Borthwick is the driving force behind the hybrid contract plan as he looks to revive England’s fortunes.

Care emphasizes that elements of the plan that would be part of the new professional playing deal, such as joint conditioning programs and player development, began shortly after he replaced Eddie Jones in December.

“Steve and the coaches have been doing that behind the scenes and they’ve been doing it since Steve took over the job,” Care said.

“If there was more structure it would help everyone, but I know Steve is working hard behind the scenes to make sure the clubs are on the same page and doing the best for the players. The wheels for that are already in motion. “

The move could give head coach Steve Borthwick more control over aspects of each player’s career, such as conditioning, playing time and position.

The financial crisis gripping English football has seen Wasps, Worcester and London Irish collapse in the Premier League and championship title holders Jersey Reds collapse at the tier below.

While this is catastrophic for everyone directly affected, it has also provided an opportunity to restructure the top flight in a way that delivers some benefits.

“Now that club play is down to ten teams, there will automatically be fewer games for the boys,” said Care.

“I have always advocated and advocated for Premier League matches not to be played during the Six Nations period. Fans, clubs and everyone want that.

The RFU and Premiership Rugby are said to be in discussions about a change in the way players are managed

“You want your best players to play and clubs want to have their best players available, which benefits everything in terms of TV revenue and fans coming to the stadium.

“Fans want to see Owen Farrell play for Saracens as often as possible and if there are ways and structures to do that then I’m all for it.

“I’ve said a few times that there are a lot of smart, smarter people than me who are hopefully working on these decisions. Hopefully they get it right and the game can flourish in England.”