CONFIRMED | The news nobody wanted regarding England vs Barbarians

Friday, 23 October 2020 at 14:45

bySteven Smith

This Sunday's Quilter Cup fixture has been cancelled following several breaches of the Covid code of conduct within the Barbarians squad.

As part of its ongoing investigation into a breach of the COVID code of conduct that took place on 21 October, the RFU has today discovered there was an earlier undisclosed breach that took place on 20 October when a number of Barbarians players left the hotel bubble without permission and without informing organisers about their whereabouts.

The RFU has concluded that the players leaving their COVID-secure environment on 20 October without then isolating from the rest of the group on their return has resulted in the bubble environment being compromised, with the potential risk of COVID transmission from individuals outside the bubble to everyone in the Barbarians team and management.

The RFU is therefore left with no alternative but to cancel the game.

Bill Sweeney, RFU CEO said; “We are incredibly disappointed to be calling a halt to this fixture, we know how much fans were looking forward to seeing the teams play. However, our priority is to protect the health and safety of the England squad and the other international teams they will go up against this autumn.

"There has been a great deal of effort put into COVID codes of conduct and planning for games, including cooperation with Premiership clubs to release additional players to fulfil the fixture safely, and we are all incredibly frustrated and disappointed that the actions of a number of Barbarians players mean we no longer feel it is safe for the game to go ahead.”

RANKED | The 10 highest paid people in rugby union, 2020

Keep reading to see the top 10 highest-paid people in rugby union, ranked in ascending order of earnings.

9=. ANDY FARRELL £600k (Ireland)

The first of two Farrell's on this list, Andy received a significant pay boost when he took over from Joe Schmidt following the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

9=. DAN BIGGAR £600k (Northampton Saints)

The Welsh pivot has made the most of his big-money move from Ospreys to Northampton Saints, where he has shone consistently since joining in 2018.

8. STEVE LUATUA £650k (Bristol Bears)

Didn't make any friends within the All Blacks hierarchy when he decided to cash in on his extreme rugby talent, signing for Bristol in 2017. Has since signed a two-year contract extension. The All Blacks aren’t allowed by the New Zealand Rugby Union to pick exiles.

6=. OWEN FARRELL £750k (Saracens)

The England captain signed his deal a while ago. It's set to run until 2022 when he can expect to earn an increase again wherever he decides to play, assuming rugby hasn't completely decided to tighten its belt by then.

6=. EDDIE JONES £750k (England)

The highest-paid international rugby coach. His salary pales in comparison to Manchester City chief Pep Guardiola (£20million) and England football chief Gareth Southgate (£3m).

5. PAT LAM £800k (Bristol Bears)

The former Newcastle, Northampton and Samoa back-row will remain at Ashton Gate until at least 2023 after signing a bumper contract extension in 2019. The 50-year-old, as a result, became the highest paid rugby boss in the world.

4. MARO ITOJE £825k (Saracens)

Signed a new deal last year that was reportedly between £750,000 and £1 million. He's one of the front runners to captain the Lions
next year and is widely regarded as the best lock in the world, with the salary to match.

3. EBEN ETZEBETH £900k (Toulon)

The 28-year-old Springbok extended his stay at the French club in July by signing a new three-year deal with the club that will see him remain at the club until June 2023.

2=. CHARLES PIUTAU £1m (Bristol Bears)

The former New Zealand wing or full-back become British rugby’s first million-pound player when he signed for Bristol Bears. The former All Black speedster, who deserted his international ambitions at the premature age of 23, has consistently been one of the best players in Europe since 2015.

1=. HANDRE POLLARD £1m (Montpellier)

The World Cup-winning Springboks playmaker Handre Pollard became the joint highest paid rugby player in the world alongside Piutau when he agreed to leave the Bulls in Super Rugby to join Montpellier in the Top 14 last year.

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