ENGLAND’S 15-A-SIDE WOMEN’s team and The Rugby Football Union (RFU) have agreed on a pay deal ahead of their upcoming November Tests.
For the first time, the Red Roses will be paid a match fee, while all players in the Elite Player Squad (EPS) will also receive a squad training fee.
Although the exact figures are confidential, the BBC understands that a player involved in all three matches against Canada will pocket between £4,000 and £5,000 in total.
The RFU announced last month that they would introduce training and match fees, but the agreement was not fully reached, or pay deal sealed until earlier this week.
Simon Middleton’s side, who were beaten by New Zealand in this summer’s Women’s Rugby World Cup (WRWC) final, open their three-Test series with Canada on Friday.
The EPS had previously been paid on a full-time basis, but that short deal concluded with the World Cup.
This new deal however means that the women’s players will not be salaried employees of the RFU, but will be paid for their services on England duty this autumn, during the Six Nations and their summer tour.
Ireland meanwhile, will not be in action until the Six Nations under new coach Adam Griggs. The New Zealander last week signed a short-term contract which runs until the end of that tournament.
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He’s not as disappointed as some on relation to how far off they are? They are miles off. No offence to Munster but they are an average,though very gutsy and committed side,and they have hammers Leinster twice in a row now. I do agree that they haven’t had any continuity with combinations,especially from 9-13,and hopefully when the likes of OBrien, Healy, Moore, Teo, McFadden etc come back then there will be a big improvement.
I must take the opportunity to praise Matt O’Connor for the huge improvement in Guinness Pro12 teams. Ever since he arrived at Leinster, every other team has greatly improved. Teams, that two years ago were almost brushed aside by Leinster, have now reached the heights that Leinster once inhabited alone.
Treviso have improved, Munster have improved, Edinburgh have improved, Scarlets have improved, Dragons have improved, Zebra have improved, Connacht (brilliant tonight, by the way) have improved..
In fact, they have all improved so much that Leinster has great difficulty taking on any of them.
By extension, Wasps and Harlequins have shown just how brilliant they are too due to you Matt.
I can hardly wait to see how much Castres get better when they arrive at the RDS soon. They will build statues in your image all over the town.
Matt, you have done European rugby a great service. They have all reached and surpassed Leinster this season thanks to your input at Leinster and everywhere else.
Thank you Matt and Happy New year!.
(and also to Mr Caputo, the news paper seller. Your influence on all other teams has been exceptional)