More details due in RFU's new eight-year plan

The Rugby Football Union are today set to release further details of a new eight-year agreement they are on the brink of finalising with Premier Rugby, covering all aspects of the elite and professional ranks of their sport in England.

The RFU’s management board and the board o PRL, the umbrella organisation for the 12 Guinness Premiership clubs, have reached agreement on the details of a new framework – with the issues of rest periods and player availability to be covered in detail.

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

Reports have stated the RFU will pay up to £12million to secure more direct control over the England players which, among other things, would allow them a two-week build-up before both the autumn internationals and the Six Nations.

Such harmony is a far cry from where English rugby was three years ago – when Sir Clive Woodward resigned as head coach over a lack of access to his 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.

The ugly rows saw rugby matters settled in court and arguably hindered long-term preparations for England’s World Cup defence.

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.

The proposal was yesterday ratified by the RFU Council and now needs to be signed off by the clubs within the next seven days.

If it is accepted by all parties, the new agreement will come into force for the start of the 2008-09 season.

It has been a long and thorny path – but the end of the bitter club-versus-country wrangles which have blighted English rugby through the professional era now appears to be in sight.