Image rights bonanza for English stars

ENGLAND'S rugby stars are on the brink of signing a deal to enable them to cash in on last year's World Cup triumph.

The RFU believe they are close to finalising the agreement on image rights which will boost the earning power of international players.

Francis Baron, chief executive of the RFU, is now waiting for Damian Hopley, his opposite number at the Professional Rugby Players Association, to consult members of the England squad's committee and he is expecting a positive response: "We want it to be a deal going through to the next World Cup in 2007. It's important for us and the players.