Saracens Director of Rugby Urges RFU to Finalize Hybrid Contracts for England Players
Published: April 23, 2024, 18:09 BST | Updated: April 23, 2024, 18:22 BST
Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall has called on the Rugby Football Union (RFU) to prioritize finalizing their new hybrid contracts system for England players, amid concerns about a lack of progress.
As reported by Mail Sport last week, there is growing unease in the domestic game about the continuing uncertainty surrounding the rollout of the union-funded deals. Under the proposed scheme, up to 25 players nominated by England coach Steve Borthwick would be offered contracts worth £150,000 per year, giving the national team’s management greater control over their key players and deterring further departures to France.
“As far as I know, Maro and Jamie have agreed something in principle, between them, the club and the RFU, but I am not sure there is any contract on the table as it stands,” said McCall. “As far as I know, no contract has been signed.”
Emphasizing the importance of pushing through the salary top-up arrangement as part of a wider Professional Game Partnership between the union and the clubs, McCall added, “It is pretty important that it gets sorted as quickly as possible. It has got the potential to change things (recruitment and contract renewal negotiations). The sooner all that can get done, the better for everybody.”
Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson echoed these concerns, stating, “There is no more (clarity) since the last time we spoke – which feels like months ago – as to what that looks like. From my understanding, it is match payments up front.”
The uncertainty surrounding the hybrid contract scheme has fueled fears that it could be scaled back or even scrapped, leading to a continued exodus of established English talent to France, with players like Owen Farrell, Lewis Ludlam, Kyle Sincker, and Billy Vunipola set for cross-Channel moves at the end of the season.
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