ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Anthony Watson signs landmark contract with RFU

BY Jack Tunney  ·  Friday Jul 21, 2023

The first of its kind, Anthony Watson his put pen to paper in a landmark training contract with the Rugby Football Union, which will allow him to receive a salary directly through the RFU.

This will allow the player, who is currently deemed ‘unattached’ to a team, to receive a salary throughout the World Cup – the first time this has happened for an English men’s player.

Having made such an impact for Leicester Tigers last season, the Midlands-based club are in prime position to resign the 50+ cap England winger – despite interest from abroad.

Despite being paid directly by the sports governing body, insiders at the RFU were keen to dismiss reports that this is a similar arrangement to that of the Irish Rugby Football Union where players receive their contracts directly from the governing body.

This is designed to be a short-term contingency plan. The 29-year-old was in need of a contract that would keep him, both in the premiership, and receiving a salary ahead of the World Cup – for the simple reason of keeping him available for international selection.

The RFU and Leicester Tigers have provided no comment on the contract, due to the unique nature of the agreement – an agreement that could be construed as favouritism by other clubs.

What is known however, is that the RFU provide £40,000 to the clubs of every player that is selected for the England elite squad. With that in mind, it is not a far-fetched thought to believe that part of this money would be expected to be put towards Watsons training contract.

It is also understood that the RFU, alongside individual clubs, are creating hybrid contracts which will insure greater control for Steve Borthwick and his England coaches over individual training plans and workloads – with further benefits for clubs in exchange.

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles

  • 32 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Gray to exit Exeter Chiefs with immediate...

  • 32 WEEKS AGO

    Former Connacht hooker shares brilliant rugby...

  • 32 WEEKS AGO

    Official calls halt to play amidst double-call...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Wallabies wunderkind Sua'ali' and Scotland captain Tuipulotu clash

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

View All

Funnies

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

View All

Amateur

  • 99 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 99 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 122 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 122 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 122 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    The 19-year-old named the 'future' of English rugby after win against Australia A

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Anthony Watson exclusive: 'I wouldn't be surprised if England win'

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    It’s a 9.5/10 for Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

View All