GIVE US A BREAK
Burn-out fears fuel England strike talk
ENGLAND’s elite players have discussed the option of striking as Premiership Rugby consider proposals to expand the gruelling domestic season.
As Eddie Jones’s national squad trained in Oxford, ahead of November fixtures against Argentina, Australia and samoa, experienced scrum- half Ben Youngs suggested that a strike would be only reluctantly considered as a last resort.
‘Guys are aware of that, but no- one wants to get to that stage,’ he said. ‘Guys have been outspoken about it, but that is because they care about the length of their career. They don’t want it four years shorter. They want to finish on their terms and that is important. They know their bodies.
‘If it comes to that (striking), guys will stand up for what they feel is right to protect themselves. But I don’t think it will come to that. If it did, we’d just have to see what happens. It has been talked about,’ he said.
Billy Vunipola and Joe Marler have previously expressed their willingness to take a stand and a militant mood is apparent as a heavy injury toll is highlighting the torrid physical demands of the sport.
‘Guys have talked about it and do have that power, but I am sure that sense will come and we will get to where we need to get to; so that we are protected,’ Youngs added. ‘The salary cap has grown and with that they want more games. It is up to the guys with a calculator to come up with the sums and work out what needs to happen, and the scientists and doctors to understand the toll on the body.’
However, the players know that — backed by their union, the RPA — they have the power to withdraw their services, if absolutely necessary.
Meanwhile, Vunipola’s strident comments about the potential for a players’ strike came just days before he suffered yet another knee injury, which has left saracens’ England No 8 facing four months out.
Reacting to the setback, Youngs added: ‘Billy is a huge presence and a big cog in this side, but he was also away last year and Nathan Hughes did a terrific job.’
Wasps are preparing to open talks with Danny Cipriani’s representatives about a new contract, but admit they are unsure whether the injured fly- half wants to stay after his current deal expires at the end of this season. ‘We are hoping to speak to his agent in the next month or so, but I have no idea what he wants to do,’ said Dai Young, the club’s director of rugby.