Let's have peace deal - Hopley

13 April 2012

Damian Hopley last night pleaded for an end to the constant disagreement that has threatened to split rugby union since the game went professional in August 1995.

Today, Twickenham chiefs sit down to consider a document submitted by Premier Rugby Partnership, representing the top 12 clubs and almost 400 professional players.

The document sets out plans for PRP to take control of the professional game and organ-ise the availability of players for internationals - they suggest 10 release dates per season. They also want a share of gate money from Twickenham Tests.

Former England centre Hopley, chief executive of the Professional Rugby Players' Association, said: 'It's important we sort this out once and for all.

'We do not want to break away and create bedlam in the game. Ultimately, we need a solution, not more problems, but there has to be a degree of autonomy within the clubs to allow them to manage their own affairs.'

John Mallett, former England prop, yesterday signed a deal to stay with Bath for a further three years while Pontypridd fly half Lee Jarvis joined Neath.

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in