English players and clubs fear the RFU’s new hybrid contract program could be scaled back or scrapped due to lack of progress… as only Jamie George and Maro Itoje signed up before this summer.

England players and their clubs are increasingly concerned about delays and doubts over the RFU’s much-vaunted hybrid contract project, with fears it could be scaled back or even scrapped.

The union is set to roll out new ‘enhanced EPS’ deals this summer, as part of a wider professional gaming partnership with clubs, but the lack of clear progress is causing concern within the national game and among members of the union. Red Rose Squad. To date, only England captain Jamie George and his Saracens teammate Maro Itoje have signed hybrid deals and it is understood the letter of agreement simply outlines the financial terms if the project goes ahead.

In theory, national coach Steve Borthwick should be able to name up to 25 players he wants to include in a core group which will be placed under greater control of the England management in return for a fixed sum of £150,000 which will supplement their club salary. .

But sources have told Mail Sport that other recent Test XV starters who are in contract talks with their clubs have not received any clarity from the RFU on the hybrid project.

In the absence of official news from Twickenham, as PGP negotiations drag on, suspicion has grown in some quarters about the RFU’s true objectives. Both George and Itoje were wanted by French clubs and Henry Arundell was also offered a hybrid contract before the winger agreed to extend his stay at Racing 92 in Paris, leading to the nagging impression that only those who threaten to leave the country are given priority.

Only England captain Jamie George (left) and Maro Itoje (right) have signed hybrid deals

The frustration has led to speculation that the union may not have the funds to roll out the project to the extent planned. Alternatively, there are fears that this could simply become a tool to stem the cross-Channel exodus, rather than an overall means of having greater control over a significant number of squad players.

Various sources contacted by Mail Sport have sounded the alarm. One said: “It’s not working, absolutely nothing has happened.” Another when asked about hybrid deals simply said: “They don’t exist.” Another said: “I think they are flip-flopping on this” and yet another added: “The details of the contracts are so far away.”

Some suggest that negotiations over who will have the final say on medical care are at an impasse. Meanwhile, clubs are discussing the future with players who remain unsure of the exact terms on offer, so much so that they are proceeding as if there is no hybrid factor to support their negotiating position, in the face of foreign opposition.

However, the official line is that everything is going according to plan. The RFU is categorical that the direction taken on this key issue is positive. Last week, general manager Bill Sweeney was asked about PGP’s situation and said: “We’re in good shape.”

Asked about the delays, RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney insisted: ‘We are in good shape’

“The current contract expires at the end of June so we will be able to move forward from where we are very soon and we will do it jointly with PRL (Premiership Rugby). Steve has to make a decision about who he wants in this hybrid contract team once PGP is completed.

The Steve he is referring to is Borthwick, who was asked again about the hybrid deals at the end of the Six Nations and said: “The details have not been confirmed. I’m waiting to have them and understand them. The strengthened partnership between PE and the professional game, which begins this summer, aims to be much more integrated, to allow clubs and the national team to benefit.

This is the positive theory. The reality is becoming a subject of growing concern.