RFU agree peace deal meeting

Rugby Union's bosses last night agreed to meet with the Premiership clubs in a bid to resolve the power struggle between the two factions.

The clubs and their near 400-strong professional players want to run their own game while still remaining within the auspices of Twickenham.

Last week, the Premier Rugby Partnership presented a document to the RFU setting out its plans to take control of the professional game and organise the availability of players for internationals - they suggest 10 release dates per season. They also requested a share of the gate money from Twickenham Tests.

After a six-and-a-half hour management board meeting at Twickenham yesterday, it was unanimously agreed that the RFU should meet with the Premier clubs during the next few days to discuss the proposals. Chairman Brian Baister said: 'The mood of the meeting was very positive. We will be meeting with Premier Rugby Partnership next week.

'Firstly, we want to seek clarification on certain issues and thereafter to recommence negotiations aimed at reaching a settlement which satisfies the needs of all parties and the game in England.

'As part of this process the RFU will be presenting some fresh ideas, aimed at resolving the differences between the parties.' The clubs will be confronted by an enlarged negotiating team from the RFU. The five present members, Fran Cotton, chief executive Francis Baron, president Budge Rogers, Graham Cattermole and Baister, have been joined by RFU performance director Chris Spice and finance director Nick Eastwood.