What does the new MPGP deal mean for Steve Borthwick’s control over England squad?

England head coach Steve Borthwick will now have the final say on all medical issues effecting players on ‘hybrid’ RFU contracts. 

Following the new MPGP deal agreed today, the England Elite Playing Squad (EPS) will now be enhanced to 25 players on the new hybrid deals, with these players being paid as much as £160,000 annually.

This does come at a cost to the clubs, though, as the England management staff will now have greater say over how they those players are managed whist at their clubs.

“Control over the individual development programmes”

RFU CEO Bill Sweeny detailed just what this will look like, not just for those within the squad but how it will also effect the wider game.

“The England national team benefits by having control over the IDPs (Individual Development Programmes), Medical and S&C of the best players in England at the peak of their form and in the best shape to play for their country.”

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He added: “ And the community game benefits from well run and funded academies to allow every young player to fulfil their potential and winning England teams that generate money to reinvest into the whole game.”

Borthwick will not be given control over selection of fit players on hybrid contracts, but medical decisions he makes could take a toll on their availability for Premiership fixtures.

How do the clubs feel

Whilst the deal seems like a good idea for the England side, it could have different implications on club teams moving forward.

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Commenting on how it could effect club’s, Exeter Chiefs Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter, said ‘the proof of the pudding’ will come in a few years time.

“My concerns are around how the medical intervention part works. The proof of the pudding of this agreement will be down the line,” Baxter said.

“If we look in two or three years and they are all playing England games and not playing club games, the clubs will say that outcome doesn’t work for us. None of us will know until we get down the line.”

Touching on the selection calls he could be forced into making, Baxter added: “It’s for me as a DOR (director of rugby) to decide when I select a player outside the rest periods which are already in agreement.”

“That kind of thing is not an issue, it’s more when a medical intervention is decided and maybe a disagreement between my medical staff and the England medical staff. That’s more when will a game happen or will it not happen for a club player.”

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