England give World Cup thumbs-up

ANY lingering doubt over England’s participation in this year’s Rugby World Cup was removed yesterday when the players agreed to formally sign up for the tournament.

The England squad, led by Martin Johnson, had been involved in protracted negotiations with Rugby World Cup officials over issues such as image rights, but finally gave their approval to a deal brokered by the Players’ Association.

Players’ Association chief executive Damian Hopley said: “We’re delighted the squad have taken our advice. Money was never an issue.”

The England squad, left out on a limb when Australia’s players signed up to the RWC participation agreement, met with representatives of the Association after reporting for training on Monday evening to thrash out outstanding issues.

“Having explained the areas of contention, the players were satisfied that their concerns had been sufficiently dealt with, and they accepted the recommendation to sign the agreement,” said Hopley.

“We are indebted for the help and co-operation of the England team and management throughout this difficult process.

“This was never a matter of getting more money for the squad from the RFU, as the terms of their RWC payments were agreed a couple of years ago.

“The issues focused on matters such as use of the players’ image rights and the absence of prize money at the event, despite projected profits of over £50 million.”

Hopley said he would be calling for early talks with the International Rugby Board ahead of the 2007 World Cup, in order to avoid a repeat of this year’s difficulties.

“In hindsight, questions have to be raised about why the players all over the world were put in such an invidious position at this late stage of their preparations for the RWC,” he said.

“Valuable lessons have been learnt, and we look forward to entering into dialogue with the IRB at an early juncture to ensure that the build-up to RWC 2007 is conducted with meaningful input from the players.”