RFU chairman Martyn Thomas is concerned by Premier Rugby's apparent withdrawal from the proposed successor tournament to the EDF Energy Cup. © Getty Images

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Tournaments/Tours: Guinness Premiership

Teams: England

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) have requested a meeting with Premier Rugby to discuss their recent statement announcing a salary cap freeze and a desire to expand the Premiership season.

Premier Rugby, the umbrella organisation for English rugby's top flight, announced on Wednesday their plan to freeze their annual £4million salary cap for the next two seasons and also implement "a series of other cost control measures". They also expressed a desire to increase the number of Premiership fixtures with reports suggesting the playing of league fixtures on current Anglo-Welsh Cup weekends, adding up to five rounds of league action to the 22-game Premiership programme.

The statement admitted that any changes would require Rugby Football Union consultation and agreement under the new long-term deal thrashed out last year between the RFU and Premiership clubs but their approach to the structured season and the future of Anglo-Welsh Cup has caused immediate concern at English rugby's headquarters.

In a statement the RFU said, "The RFU supports Premier Rugby's plans to bring its cost base into line with revised revenue projections likely during the recession but it is concerned at the reported plans to increase the number of Guinness Premiership matches and the apparent withdrawal by Premier Rugby from the proposed successor tournament to the EDF Energy Cup.

"The RFU will be requesting clarification and further detail on these reported proposals prior to their presentation to the scheduled Professional Game Board meeting on January 22. It is important that any such proposals are in accord with the terms of the new eight year RFU/PRL agreement signed in October 2007 and which has started well since it took effect in July 2008."

Martyn Thomas, Chairman of the RFU Management Board, commented, "We understand that these are difficult times for all clubs, professional and community. It is important that all clubs budget carefully and prudently during the current major recession. However, we must ensure that we maintain the stability of our playing structures and continue to deliver on player welfare issues.

"We are looking forward to receiving the detail of their proposals from Premier Rugby next week. These will be discussed by the Professional Game Board on January 22 and the RFU Management Board on January 28."