Professional Game Board agrees series of player welfare initiatives

The COVID-19 pandemic required changes to this season and next agreed by the PGB to cover Premiership and England matches. The player welfare initiatives will be under constant review and monitored weekly.

Phil Winstanley, the Rugby Director at Premiership Rugby said: "The COVID-19 global pandemic has created the biggest challenge we have ever seen to professional sport in this country and has placed significant operational and financial pressures on the sport.

"The effects of the pandemic have required a redesign of the rugby calendar and shift in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 Premiership seasons.

"Working closely with the RFU, RPA and a number of senior players and coaches we have collaborated to produce player welfare initiatives for both seasons. No two playares are the same and we need to allow the Directors of Rugby to manage these individual needs but within a framework we’re all comfortable with.”

Conor O’Shea, Director of Performance Rugby at the RFU: “All parties have approached this acknowledging the challenges we all face but also understanding everyone would need to compromise.

“We have had extensive discussions across the game but most importantly with the players, Eddie and a number of Directors of Rugby. Through this we have reached a really positive solution. We will constantly review and monitor all players especially those who carry the greatest load. We have managed to marry the scientific with the practicality of the challenge.”

Damian Hopley, Chief Executive of the RPA: “The next 12 months will be the most arduous playing schedule ever undertaken by the players, Clubs and England.

“All stakeholders have worked collaboratively to agree essential player welfare initiatives in these extraordinary circumstances.

“We recognise the duty of care that the clubs and RFU have for the players and we will all continue to work closely with the medical and strength and conditioning experts to monitor individual player load throughout the challenging schedule that lies ahead.”