Deal ends English boards’ feud

THE ENGLISH RFU and Premier Rugby will formally mark the end of a bitter feud lasting over a decade when they unveil their new eight-year agreement tomorrow morning.

The framework, negotiated by the RFU and PRL and signed off by both boards, will cover all aspects of elite and professional rugby in England.

The agreement will provide clear direction covering the release of England players for international duty and the compensation clubs will receive in return.

Some reports have suggested the RFU will reimburse the clubs to secure direct control over their Test players with director of elite rugby Rob Andrew and England’s head coach selecting and managing a 32-man elite squad.

The deal is expected to further address the issue of player burnout by moving the dates of international tours, while clubs may also be paid a bonus for fielding English-qualified players.

It will come into effect at the start of the 2008-9 season, signalling a conclusion to the club v country dispute that has troubled the game since the advent of professionalism in 1995.

Such harmony is a far cry from three years ago, when Clive Woodward resigned as England head coach voicing his frustration at the lack of access to players.

The union and clubs have been at each other’s throats for most of the time since, arguing over the validity and interpretation of the 2001 Long Form Agreement.

Premier Rugby took legal action over the RFU’s decision to organise a Test match against New Zealand outside the official international window to celebrate the opening of Twickenham’s new south stand in November 2006.

They also locked horns over the issue of player rest periods following the 2005 Lions tour, when the RFU refused to pay compensation to those clubs who had not allowed their players a full 12-week rest.