Rugby Revolution: Eight-Year Plan Unites RFU, Premiership, and Players

The Rugby Football Union, Premiership Rugby, and Rugby Players Association have launched an eight-year plan aimed at aligning the organizations. The plan includes an enhanced England Playing Squad, expanded opportunities for the Under-20s, and a new Premiership academy structure. Collaborative efforts focus on player welfare and financial stability.

The Rugby Football Union, Premiership Rugby, and the Rugby Players Association unveiled an ambitious eight-year plan on Wednesday aimed to unify the three organizations after 18 months of negotiations.

The plan, named the Men's Professional Game Partnership (MPGP), aims to create world-leading English international teams and thriving professional leagues with players and fans at its core. The RFU announced that coach Steve Borthwick will now have increased authority over the medical aspects and selection of up to 25 players for international preparations.

Significant upgrades include enhanced playing opportunities for the Under-20s England squad, which will expand to 50 players, and commitments to up to four England A matches per season. A new Premiership academy structure aims to reduce travel time for teenage players, with a Player Support Fund established for medical and mental wellbeing support.

(With inputs from agencies.)