Club-versus-country row nears end

Rugby union's power brokers are one step away from a new eight-year agreement covering the professional game in England.

The Rugby Football Union's management board and Premier Rugby - which represents the 12 Premiership clubs - have agreed details on a new framework.

The RFU Council ratified the deal on Wednesday and it now needs to be signed off by the clubs within seven days.

Further details on the deal are to be made public on Thursday.

Reports have suggested the RFU will pay up to �12m to secure more direct control over the England players.

The new framework would allow the England team to have a two-week build-up before both the autumn internationals and the Six Nations.

The RFU and Premier Rugby have been at loggerheads for several years over central funding, the release of England players and how much of a say the clubs have in governance.

The rows arguably hindered long-term preparations for England's World Cup defence.

Premier Rugby took legal action over the RFU's decision to organise a Test match against New Zealand outside the official international window in November 2006.

The two bodies also argued over rest periods for players following the 2005 Lions tour, when the RFU refused to pay compensation to those clubs who had not allowed their players a full 12-week rest.

Source: BBC Sport