Jones forfeits bonus

EDDIE JONES has agreed to waive his bonus if England win this year’s Six Nations. About £ 6 million will be awarded to any Grand Slam winner and a large chunk of the money is paid to players and staff.

During negotiations last year, the likes of Jones and Owen Farrell agreed to take a 25 per cent pay cut due to problems caused by Covid-19.

Players’ Test match fees were cut from £23,000 to just over £17,000 and cuts will also apply to any potential win bonus. But Jones has agreed to sacrifice his bonus altogether. The competition will be hit financially by the lack of crowds, but Six Nations CEO Ben Morel said unions will still receive the same levels of central funding.

England hopeful Marcus Smith, meanwhile, has been offered a new deal by Harlequins. Smith has an exit clause in his contract but Quins are desperate to keep him.