RFU will add more objective measures to player development in the Constituent Bodies (CBs) and within Academies. The RFU will also contribute £1.6m to the Academies, which will rise to £2m a year over the course of the agreement.
With player welfare of paramount importance, the agreement aims to secure an 11-week off season and maximum game limit for the Elite Player Squad. Decisions on treatment of England players’ injuries will see RFU Elite Rugby Director, Rob Andrew, taking overall responsibility up to the end of the Six Nations, after which club Directors of Rugby will take over, with access to an independent specialist for consultation if necessary.
The Way Forward project was extremely useful in restarting the negotiations with the Premiership clubs. Aimed at completing a thorough and fundamental review of all aspects of professional rugby, it engaged all parts of the game in the debate. The final phase ended in June this year and we had nine road shows around the country and a specially designed website covering the ideas put forward and the various options for restructuring the top end of the game, with no less than 3,000 people completing a detailed questionnaire.
This was also the sixth year of CB road shows, covering eight counties and with visits to 24 clubs by the RFU CEO, Francis Baron, and me. With the Way Forward consultation, that brings the total number of road shows since the process started to well over 50. This extensive programme of communication is a testament to the RFU’s dedication to interaction and consultation with our membership.
It has also given me the opportunity to meet and talk with innumerable people at all levels of the game. I thank them for their counsel and their hospitality and also all who work for the good of rugby union in England for their continued efforts on behalf of the game.
Martyn Thomas
Chairman of the Management Board
With player welfare of paramount importance, the agreement aims to secure an 11-week off season and maximum game limit for the Elite Player Squad