RFU and Premiership Rugby reach agreement over hybrid contracts in boost to Saracens pair

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Jamie George and Maro Itoje can expect their landmark hybrid contracts to start on time next season after the RFU and Premiership Rugby finally agreed a new working arrangement.

England captain George and lock Itoje are the first players to agree dual contracts, with their Saracens deals to be topped up by the RFU.

But the influential duo have had to wait months to see any contracts after agreeing terms on deals worth up to £160,000 a year.

The delays have been down to the RFU and Premiership Rugby thrashing out the new Professional Game Partnership (PGP) that governs the entire relationship between the union and the league.

A deal has finally been struck in principle however, paving the way for George and Itoje to lead England’s new era of greater RFU control over their players.

England want to award as many as 25 hybrid deals, or enhanced elite player squad contracts, in the RFU terminology.

Head coach Steve Borthwick will award the contracts as existing player deals expire, meaning the system’s introduction will be naturally staggered.

The PGP covers all aspects of the relationship between the RFU and Premiership Rugby, and represents a long-term contract.

The new agreement could run for as long as eight years, and must come into force this summer when the current deal expires.

England chiefs shaking hands with the league bosses on those terms now opens the door for final talks on the new hybrid contracts.

The big step forward will be a relief to Saracens boss Mark McCall, who last week admitted progress had stalled on the RFU top-ups for George and Itoje.

Saracens have completed new terms for George and Itoje for next season, but those remain dependent on the additional RFU deals.

George and Itoje are yet to receive any RFU paperwork on their hybrid deals, but that should now be forthcoming.

England’s senior players have formed a new body to negotiate these deals, Team England Rugby Ltd, moving this element away from players union the RPA.

Final negotiations should be mere formalities once the RFU can produce individual contract documents.

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