Rugby chief calls for central contracts

English rugby must address the “taboo” subject of central contracts following their dismal Six Nations campaign, according to the head of the players’ union. Eddie Jones’s side finished fifth in the table with many of the squad’s Lions players looking exhausted. Ireland, Wales and Scotland all use a form of central contracts. Damian Hopley, the Rugby Players’ Association chief executive, believes England must consider following suit.

Sport, pages 2-3