ENGLAND'S captain, Phil de Glanville, last night confirmed that England players will be signing contracts with the Rugby Football Union worth £70,000 each when they have seen the small print of the deal with EPRUC.

De Glanville, who was a player's negotiator even before he led the side for the first time last week, said: "Legally, we have to wait until the Twickenham deal is all signed and sealed. Then there is no question that we will be signing contracts with the RFU."

The £70,000 from the RFU for those ever present from November to next July will make the England stars among the richest earners in sport.

They are on near £100,000 from their clubs and have received a loyalty bonus from EPRUC, while advertising and a possible Lions fee for touring South Africa could boost their incomes by a further £40,000.

De Glanville said: "I am absolutely delighted that the officials have reached agreement.

"We don't know the final details, but the argument has been in the back of our minds and we have been affected as an England squad, as have the players who wanted to appear for their divisions.

Details of the peace deal will be revealed next week.