RFU To Review Regulations On Player Books
The RFU is to review its current regulations on players writing books and
articles after damaging comments were made against the national team coaching
structure in two leading England players’ autobiographies.
The coaching system and the role of head coach Brian Ashton were both openly
criticised in newly published books by England players Lawrence Dallaglio and
Mike Catt following the recent Rugby World Cup.
The RFU Management Board met to discuss the recent newspaper serialisation of
these books – a meeting that has prompted a full scale review of the governing
body’s current stance on players’ media commitments.
Once finalised, these revised arrangements will be included in the new EPS
Player Agreement to be drawn up under the terms of the new deal recently reached
with Premier Rugby Ltd.
In a subsequent statement the RFU expressed its anger and disappointment at
the publication of the two books, commenting that it was not even granted the
courtesy of being sent copies in advance of publication and in fact had yet to
receive any versions of the books in question.
Rob Andrew, the RFU Elite Rugby Director has, at the request of the Board
spoken to each player and requested copies of the books to be submitted
forthwith to the RFU.
The RFU will then review the situation following consideration of the
complete context of the reported comments and any further content that the books
may contain.
