Aviva Premiership Trophy© Dan Mullan/Getty Images

The Rugby Players' Association has secured a new multimillion pound five-year funding deal with Premiership Rugby and the Rugby Football Union.

The new contract will see a minimum of £7million invested in the RPA's player welfare, development and education programme over the next five-years - one that supports 650 current players and 350 ex-pros.

"This long-term funding deal gives us the security to build on the very strong foundations that we have established over the last 17 years as one of the most progressive Players' Associations in Europe," RPA CEO Damian Hopley said. "One of the key objectives of English rugby is to provide outstanding welfare, support and development programmes to all of our past, present and future members in order to give them the best opportunity to maximise their on and off field potential.

"By working closely with the RFU and the Aviva Premiership Rugby clubs, we are confident that we will take this support to unprecedented levels. I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to the RFU and Premiership Rugby as well as my board and the members for their continued support of the essential work we conduct for the players and the game."

RPA chairman and Northampton lock Christian Day said the new deal left him "genuinely excited about the future of English Rugby" and added they have negotiated an "enhanced Standard Contract" for the players.

PRL CEO Mark McCafferty added the new deal is essential to "the long term strength and vibrancy of the English professional game" with RFU professional director Rob Andrew adding they are confident the new deal "will help the RPA continue to deliver and enhance their programmes."