RFU, Premiership sign ground-breaking deal
The ground-breaking agreement for club and country will see Premiership clubs benefit from the successful financial performance of England Rugby for the first time, as PRL and the RFU have agreed an appropriate share of rugby revenues as a basis for the investment over the life of the deal.
This will enable both the RFU and the clubs to continue to grow together on and off the pitch, and to ensure all parties work together to make the domestic game and England international teams stronger in the future.
The eight-year partnership between Twickenham and the Premiership clubs, worth over £200m, will give national head coach Eddie Jones greater access to players, a later deadline for selection, two additional training camps and more rest periods for his Grand Slam winners.
The RFU and Premiership will also commit to a multi-million pound community programme.
"This is a true partnership focused on making English rugby the best in the world for club and country. A strong partnership between the RFU and the PRL is critical if we are to grow professional rugby across the country for the benefit of the players, fans and the game," said RFU Chief Executive Ian Ritchie.
"Player welfare, as ever, is a priority for us all, and so further rest periods have been built into the season. The RFU is focused on investing in Premiership clubs, to ensure they are sustainable, thriving businesses, which will develop players for the national game.
"We look forward to working with Premiership over the next eight years to promote and support rugby in England."
Mark McCafferty, Premiership Chief Executive Officer said: "Success for England and the clubs depends on an effective partnership between the RFU and Premiership on many levels.
"We've seen that emerge from the last few years of the previous agreement and this new one is capable of setting the platform for a period of sustained success for both club and country, as we look to build on the strong finish to last season.
"The next year will also be very important in working together to secure the necessary improvements to the global season structure.
