It has been confirmed that England head coach Eddie Jones will act as a consultant for San Diego Legion in USA’s Major League Rugby (MLR).
The 60-year-old, who is contracted with England until the end of the 2023 World Cup, also holds a similar role with Japanese side Suntory Sungoliath.
The Rugby Football Union say they were “fully consulted from the onset”.
A RFU representative also added that Jones’ new job is “not in conflict with RFU commitments in any way”, adding that his England role “takes priority.”
The Legions marquee signing for next season will be former England captain Chris Robshaw.
A twice-named Aviva Premiership Player of the Year, Robshaw won 66 England caps and is the second most capped England captain of all time.
In discussing his signing with San Diego, Robshaw said, “Each season the MLR has grown and advanced its reputation in professional rugby circles. I have been looking at my options to play in the MLR over the last 12 months and there have been plenty of rumors about where I might play.
“In the end, it really was an obvious and easy choice for me. In a short period of time, SD Legion has built a reputation as being a world class organization. I am very excited to being part of that organization and helping continue to advance its reputation both on and off the field.”
JOIN THE RUCK:
The highest paid players at every Gallagher Premiership club
Bath: Taulupe Faletau – £550,000
Bristol Bears: Charles Piutau – £1m
The former All Black full-back or wing, who surprised many by leaving New Zealand before reaching the peak of his powers, has allegedly become British rugby’s first million pound man.
Exeter Chiefs: Stuart Hogg – £500,000
The fullback signed a new deal recently, accepting a slight pay-cut.
Gloucester Rugby: Danny Cipriani – £380,000
The fly-half was on £190,000 to £200,000, which was a relatively modest wage for a player of his calibre and experience. It’s been reported that his new deal is closer to the £400,000 Toulon offered him.
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Harlequins: Mike Brown (£300,000)
The three England stars remain the highest paid players at the Stoop.
Leicester Tigers: Manu Tuilagi – £460,000
with the England centre’s appearances for club Leicester and country sporadic through a variety of ailments.
London Irish: Paddy Jackson – £400,000
The number 10 will reportedly earn more than his ex-international teammate, who’ll also pocket a hefty £350,000 wage packet.
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Newcastle Falcons: Toby Flood – £250,000
Northampton Saints: Dan Biggar – £500,000
Wales’ ‘Governor’ was a catalyst for the Ospreys, being a superb club man and racking up a points record. But he decided to sample life “outside the goldfish bowl” of Wales with a big money offer enticing him to Northampton Saints.
Sale Sharks: Manu Tuilagi – £350,000
The centre took a £100,000 paycut to join the Sharks after leaving Leicester. He is reportedly set to take Tigers to court to recoup his loss of earnings.
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Saracens: Owen Farrell – £750,000
Farrell will remain at the club that he has called ‘home’ since the age of 14 until at least 2022, earning himself a hefty pay-rise in the process. His new deal means he will now earn in excess of £750,000 a season, bringing him in line with some of the highest paid players in the world.
Wasps: Joe Launchbury – £420,000
The England second-row became the clubs highest paid player after extending his contract earlier this season.
Worcester Warriors: Matt Kvesic
The local boy has returned to Sixways following successful stints with Gloucester and Exeter Chiefs.
