RFU to give cash-strapped Tonga six-figure fee for Saturday’s Test at Twickenham, while Eddie Jones’ players could earn £23,000 per game as part of new match fee deal
- England players could make almost £23,000 per Test as part of new deal
- RFU has offered Tonga financial aid as part of a new development partnership
- Pacific Islanders visit Twickenham on Saturday for Autumn International Test
- South Africa don’t expect Rassie Erasmus to be banned for Test against Wales
The RFU have agreed a new match fee deal with England’s players that could see them earn close to £23,000 per game as well as giving a six-figure fee to Saturday’s cash-strapped opponents Tonga.
The England squad took a 25 per cent pay cut last year due to the pandemic, leaving them with £17,250 per game.
The new deal is incentive-driven, with players only receiving the full amount if they win.
England’s players could make almost £23,000 per match in a new incentive-driven deal
There could be a further bonus if the RFU’s financial performance exceeds its forecasts but that is unlikely to happen in the short term.
The new match fees dwarf those of their next opponents — with just £500 typically on offer for Tongan players.
However, the RFU have offered financial aid as part of a new development partnership, which also involves reciprocal coach sharing.
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney said England wanted a closer relationship with Tonga
Cash-strapped take on England at Twickenham on Saturday afternoon after losing to Scotland
England will lend a doctor, physiotherapist, analyst, and operations manager to the Tongan party for their autumn campaign as part of a ‘knowledge sharing’ deal.
RFU CEO Bill Sweeney said: ‘Diversity is central to our strategic plan and we are delighted our England teams will have the opportunity to gain great knowledge from Tonga and their rich rugby heritage. We are looking forward to having a closer working relationship with Tonga.’
Meanwhile, South Africa are not expecting Rassie Erasmus to be banned from their Test against Wales on Saturday, with a verdict on his referee rant during the Lions series imminent.
South Africa expect head coach Rassie Erasmus not to be banned for the Test against Wales
‘We expect him to be with us, that was always the plan,’ said assistant coach Deon Davids.
Alun Wyn Jones will learn his injury fate today, having hurt his shoulder against the All Blacks, and their next opponents acknowledge he would be greatly missed.
‘If he’s not playing it’s definitely a loss for them,’ said Boks flanker Kwagga Smith.
In the Premiership, there is more trouble at Bath. During their sixth straight defeat of the season against Wasps, lock Mike Williams and kitman Steve Middleton were sent off and face sanctions tonight.