Van Graan: PGP won't be a problem at Bath

BATH Head of Rugby Johann van Graan is not at all concerned with the challenges posed by the new Professional Game Partnership.

- JON NEWCOMBE

Designed to boost the chances of success for the England national team, the tripartite agreement between the RFU/PRL/ RPA will also help to protect players from other countries playing in the Premiership like Bath's Finn Russell.

Included in the changes that will be implemented is the provision of mandatory rest at clubs for players after they have been on international duty.

Russell, for example, made his debut for Bath a week after Scotland's pool exit at last year's World Cup, coming on as a replacement in the opening game of the league season at home to Newcastle. This wouldn't have happened under the new PGP with a mandatory three-week standdown period in place.

Players in England are expected to play no more than 30 matches per season, according to the new deal, which could mean the league's DoRs have an even bigger juggling act, especially with slimmed-down squads.

Bath have 12 players who've been capped whilst at Bath under van Graan, and others, such as Ted Hill, can't be far away from making the step up to Test rugby.