The Rugby Football Union (RFU) recently signed a new professional game agreement (PGA) with Premiership Rugby and the Rugby Players Association (RPA). This three-year deal outlines the distribution of revenue, player welfare, and other key aspects of the professional game in England.
One of the most significant changes in the new PGA is the distribution of revenue. The RFU will now give Premiership Rugby a greater share of the revenue generated by the England team. This change is designed to help the Premiership clubs retain their top players and compete with other European leagues.
The PGA also includes measures to improve the welfare of players. Premiership Rugby will now implement a minimum five-week break for players during the off-season, and there will be a greater focus on injury prevention and management. The RFU will also provide funding for mental health support and career transition programs for retiring players.
The new PGA also includes changes to the structure of the domestic season. The Premiership will start a week earlier to allow for more breaks during the season. Additionally, there will be a two-week break in February to accommodate the Six Nations tournament.
Overall, the new PGA is designed to create a more sustainable and competitive professional game in England. By addressing revenue distribution and player welfare, the RFU, Premiership Rugby, and the RPA hope to ensure the continued success of English rugby.