Players’ Union Angry Over RFU Letter
Representative body the Professional Rugby Players’ Association has reacted angrily to a letter sent out by the Rugby Football Union to England players warning them against moving abroad to play for non-English clubs.
The four-page letter, signed by Rugby Football Union chief Francis Baron, was sent to all members of Martin Johnson’s elite squad last week.
Although the letter states any player moving abroad will not be “‘banned’ from the England squad, it makes it clear they could jeopardise their places if satisfactory release periods are not written into their contracts.
Damian Hopley, head of the Professional Rugby Players’ Association, commented: ‘We are taking legal advice. The concern is that this becomes a restraint of trade.
‘On one hand the RFU says it’s fine for players to go to France, on the other that it would not be as attractive.
‘You have to remember that it’s not just a financial decision for players to go, but also about lifestyle and experience. We were proactive in seeking legal advice once we found out about the letter.’
The letter was sent in the wake of three England players – James Haskell, Riki Flutey and Tom Palmer – announcing last month that they would be moving to France at the end of the season.
