Leading English clubs today announced new plans for the running of the domestic game aimed at stopping player burn-out but stressed they did not want to break away from the English Rugby Football Union (RFU).
After months of argument between the RFU and the professional clubs, the top division clubs said they were setting up a new company together with the leading players called the Premier Rugby Partnership.
But after threats to break away from the RFU, Leicester chief Peter Wheeler said: "In simple terms, we want to stay in the Union. We want the RFU to run the international games and we are seeking to complement and support the performance of the England international teams."
"This partnership with the players enables us to go to the RFU with a proposal for the future of the game, which, with their approval, will unite the whole of professional rugby in England," Wheeler added in an interview with Reuters.
The new venture includes a series of welfare initiatives including insurance projects to protect players during and after their careers. The venture plans a maximum of 32 matches in the season for players with international players to be released for 10 games per season. (Reuters)
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
