England pay row settled

Agreement has been reached in a pay dispute that threatened to undermine England’s tour of Australia and New Zealand next month.

The Rugby Football Union and Team England Rugby say they have “resolved all the outstanding tour issues” over player payments for the five-match trip, which begins in Perth on June 8.

An independent third party had been appointed to review the matter, and their recommendations

have been accepted.

In a joint statement, the RFU and TER said: "The Rugby Football Union and Team England Rugby are pleased to announce that they have resolved all the outstanding issues over tour payments for the elite player squad for the tour to Australia and New Zealand.

“Both sides met today with the independent third party appointed to review the situation, and accepted their recommendations.

“The details of the final resolution remain confidential and will not be disclosed by either party.”

England manager Martin Johnson has selected a 44-man tour squad, with his players facing two Tests against Australia in Perth and Sydney, two appointments with the Australian Barbarians and then a clash against New Zealand Maori in Napier.