The Rugby Football Union is considering the nuclear option of bringing central contracts to the negotiating table.
Worcester are gone, Wasps are heading in the same direction and the need for cost-cutting has reached a critical point.
England’s stars continue to be paid by club and country - and RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney says the thorny topic of central contracts is now up for debate.
The subject has been viewed with deep suspicion by the clubs since the sport turned professional and they nipped in ahead of the RFU and bought up the players - fearing the level of control central contracts would hand the RFU.
“There are certain phrases which are like nuclear buttons,” admitted Sweeney, speaking from New Zealand. “And the phrase ‘central contracts’ tends to have that nuclear effect.
“But everything is on the table to be discussed. Those around the table weren’t part of the old days when there was animosity between club and country. This is a fresh set of eyes that are looking at it.”
England players trouser £25,000 a Test on top of their club wage. Eddie Jones’ team have 13 Tests between now and the World Cup 326 days from now.
Twickenham has vowed to work with Premiership Rugby to find a way to “mitigate the expense” the clubs are facing and a better structure to help them achieve “greater financial stability”.
Sweeney, who threw the RFU’s support behind a 10-team top flight, insists his are not just “worthy words” and that there is “real alignment” between club, country and government.
“I don’t think there has ever been a bigger opportunity since the game went professional for us to come around the table in an active, open and transparent manner,” he added.
