England players sign RFU contracts but raise ‘extensive concerns’ over workload

England’s Jamie George and Team England Rugby – an organisation set up by players – have urged the RFU to act over player welfare concerns. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian

England players including the captain Jamie George have voiced “extensive concerns” about their workload to the Rugby Football Union and raised player welfare issues facing international stars before agreeing their new contracts.

George has also insisted that the introduction of player welfare protocols specific to England players “needs to be explored” as part of the new deal which has seen the RFU award enhanced contracts worth £160,000 each to 17 players.