How much do rugby players get paid? New RFU deal with England players boosts match fee to £22,000
England rugby captain Dylan Hartley said the national team's players had got a "fantastic deal" after the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Rugby Players' Association (RPA) agreed a new four year contract from 2016 to 2020.
The contract between players called up to Eddie Jones' England's Elite Player Squad (EPS) is believed to be worth £22,000 per test, a £5,000 increase on last year's deal.
That sum covers training fees, image rights and performance bonuses.
Ahead of England's test against South Africa at Twickenham tomorrow Hartley said: "I think we've got a fantastic deal, both parties are very happy. It's been a really smooth transition to the next four years so I thank the RFU and RPA for sorting it."
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"These are exciting times for English Rugby and the deal offers a significant uplift from the previous deal," said Rugby Football Union chief executive Ian Ritchie.
"We are delighted to have finalised a four-year agreement with the players ahead of the first test in the Old Mutual Wealth Series tomorrow.
"We would like to thank the Rugby Players' Association (RPA) for their positive and constructive contribution to the new deal."
RPA chief executive Damian Hopley said the new deal would recognise the players' role towards the RFU's record revenues of £407.1m last year.
"As we always remind our members, they are one serious injury away from finishing their careers, so we believe this new contract will provide improved security for those fortunate enough to pull on the England shirt," said Hopley.