Saracens' McCall wants England to copy Ireland's central contract model

McCall believes a model where the RFU contributes to players’ salaries could be the way forward.

Jonathan Sexton of Ireland, left, and Owen Farrell of England shake hands. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Central contracts for England internationals should be at the “top of the agenda” in negotiations over the future of the domestic game, according to the Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall.

After England slumped to a Six Nations campaign featuring just two victories for the third year in a row, and in a season in which two clubs have gone bust, there is appetite for change from both the Rugby Football Union and the Premiership in the next Professional Game Agreement that begins in 2024.