The Rugby Football Union’s management board and Premier Rugby - which represents the 12 Premiership clubs are close to signing off a new eight-year agreement covering the professional game in England. The RFU Council ratified the deal on Wednesday and it now needs to be signed off by the clubs. The deal would come into force for the 2008/9 season.

clubs get release payments

The new framework would allow the England team to have a two-week build-up before both the autumn internationals and the Six Nations. and there will be special payment agreements to cover players when with England.