Ellis Genge has confirmed there are plans to set up a new union, designed to provide elite players with improved commercial and legal advice.
The England prop, who is planning the new collective along with a number of other unnamed high-profile stars, says the new organisation would be independently funded to avoid conflicts of interest.
"We wouldn't have to answer to a governing body," he said.
He added: "We are not making a new RPA. I think they do really good stuff with welfare in rugby and they look after people really well.
"But I do feel that people were poorly advised [over the pay cuts]. People were advised from the off to sign the contracts without reading them, almost.
"Commercially, I didn’t think everyone was being represented very well.
"So I am trying to put together a players’ union. It is not to replace the RPA or to combat the RFU. Honestly, it is nothing of the sort.
"It is just so people can get really good advice from trusted professionals in those specific fields: [for example] around commercial and legal [issues].".
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"The boys would have to understand it is going to be independently run, and for that you would need a decent kitty," he added.
"But we are getting good help from a lot of good people. This is for everyone, as a whole, to be represented much better commercially.
"The RPA do a lot of those negotiations, and it is always going to lean in favour to the RFU or PRL, and I totally understand those situations. There is no malice behind that but it is fundamentally how it works at the moment.
"I am not trying to go against owners of clubs, or the RFU or the RPA, I think we can all work in tandem.
"But I do think it is time to shake up the rugby scene, and look after players - commercially, and in every aspect - a lot better."
8 times Ellis Genge proved he was a legend
1) When he smashed through a whole South African school
Here is some rare footage of a young Genge showing why the England and Leicester Tigers prop was given the nickname ‘baby rhino’.
2) When he made a young fans day
A young lad who has been struggling in school was the recipient of Genge’s jersey post-match after the England prop had been swapping messages and supporting him online.
3) When he made an older fans day
The prop gave the mobility scooter he used when he was recovering from a knee injury to someone who really needs it.
4) Just enjoy this compilation. He's the best.
5) When he put Austin Healey in his place
The 23-year-old, who is a boyhood Bristol fan, was highly critical of Austin Healey, accusing the former England centre of ‘bagging people’.
6) And finally, the legendardy post-match interview
"A lot of sausages just say what comes into their head."
This post-match interview from England's Calcutta Cup triumph in 2019 will definitely go down in history.
7. When he made Kyle Sinckler his valentine
Genge puts together a romantic breakfast for his roommate Kyle Sinckler on Valentines Day.
8. This story from Nigel Owens
“One of the main talking points from last weekend was England prop Ellis Genge’s interview after the match, in which he had scored an important try,” Owens wrote in his weekly column for Wales Online.
“I know Ellis Genge pretty well as a player as I’ve reffed him many times. He always comes up after the game and he sent me a message after the France game saying “well done on a great game and a great career”. I have a lot of respect for him.
