Andrew confident about way forward

ROB ANDREW has hailed “an English solution for the English game” after the Twickenham unveiling of a new detailed agreement governing professional rugby in England.

Months of talks between the RFU and Premier Rugby Limited have culminated in a way forward being thrashed out.

The new eight-year agreement — which runs from July 1 next year — will incorporate two World Cups and cover critical areas such as elite player squads, player management programmes, season structure and an England-qualified players compensation scheme. Around £110m will be provided by the RFU to Guinness Premiership clubs between next summer and June 30, 2016.