England players could be placed on ‘hybrid contracts’ in future as RFU, Premiership Rugby in discussions

In return for potential hybrid contracts, Steve Borthwick could have more say over each player’s fitness, playing time and position; RFU would pay a greater amount to clubs than the current £40,000 awarded for each player supplied to the Elite Player Team (EPS); RFU, Premiership Rugby in discussions

England stars could be placed on ‘hybrid contracts’ as part of negotiations over a significant change to the way the national team is managed.

The Rugby Football Union and Premiership Rugby are in talks to give head coach Steve Borthwick more control over a certain number of Test players, the PA news agency understands.

Under the agreement, Borthwick would choose a group of internationals who he believes would form the basis of his squad for the 2027 World Cup.

In return for greater control over aspects of each player’s career, such as fitness, playing time and position, the RFU would pay a greater amount to clubs than the current £40,000 amount awarded for each player supplied to the elite playing team. EPS).

If the deal is approved, it would be one of the most significant changes to the English system since the game turned professional almost three decades ago.

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

Although diluted by the central contracts that have been a success in Ireland and New Zealand, they would break new ground as previous English coaches had no control over their players’ schedules when on club duty.

RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney raised the possibility of central contracts a year ago and there is growing interest among clubs battling bleak financial prospects to give up some control over their Red Rose stars in return for compensation to boost their wages help pay.

Hybrid contracts have also been mooted by Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall. Saracens supply Jamie George, Maro Itoje, Theo Dan, Ben Earl, Billy Vunipola, Owen Farrell, Elliot Daly and Max Malins to Borthwick’s current World Cup squad.

“It should be at the top of the agenda, central contracts. If there is an opportunity to do something different and for club and country to work very closely around a particular player,” McCall said in March.

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

“Maybe share his salary? We all know that the top international players will not be available for half of your program anyway.

“It has probably been unfair to the club over the years to pay that player his full salary if that is the case.

“You also have to understand that once the RFU starts contributing to someone’s wages you lose a bit of control over that player, but I think that’s the right thing to do.”