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World Cup: Clubs secure compensation deal with RFU

The Webb Ellis Trophy
Image: The Webb Ellis Trophy, first contested in 1987

England's 12 Premiership clubs will share in a World Cup compensation pot of around £13m, after settling a dispute with the Rugby Football Union.

The deal between the two bodies also allows the clubs to stage matches during the knockout phase of the tournament next autumn.

International Rugby Board regulations forbid club games to be played during the World Cup, although it has now granted dispensation regarding the knockout stages which begin on October 17 next year.

The clubs had been concerned of having to survive the possibility of five income-free months because of the England-based World Cup and off-season, and had requested the RFU to cover their lost revenue.

RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie said: "It's a reflection of the strength of the partnership that once again we have managed to come to an arrangement that benefits both the RFU and clubs.”

Some clubs had threatened to flout IRB rules and play during the tournament if their demands were not met but an agreement has now been struck.

Of the compensation to be provided by the RFU, £6m will come from the re-allocation of match revenue and the remaining £7m is incentivised upon the success of the World Cup and the signing of a new heads of agreement.

Ritchie added: "By the very nature of the deal, the more successful the RFU is, the more the clubs benefit, while it is good that Premiership Rugby continue to use Twickenham to develop their competition.

"It is also significant that there is an incentive to conclude negotiations swiftly around a new long-term 'heads of agreement' that has proved so successful to date."

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