Tuesday 22 March 2016 12:15, UK
Ian Ritchie has revealed the Rugby Football Union (RFU) is set to reward the England squad following their Six Nations success.
England's players are already the highest paid in Test rugby and are reportedly negotiating to have their £15,000 fee per match hiked up to £25,000.
"You've got to recognise that the players and the talent on the pitch is what makes the difference and of course it's right as professional players they should receive the correct recompense," said RFU chief executive Ritchie.
The RFU must sign a new Elite Player Squad (EPS) agreement with Premiership Rugby before the start of next season.
As well as match fees, the expected four-year deal will cover everything from player release from club duty for Test action to academy set-ups.
Ritchie anticipates Eddie Jones gaining more access to his players than any previous England coach under the new deal after guiding the team to Grand Slam glory in his debut tournament.
"I think we'll get the time Eddie wants, he has been involved and we've had discussions about that," said Ritchie.
"We had a very proper negotiation the last time we had a four-year deal that everyone was happy with. And we'll look forward to replicating that.
"It was very professionally handled last time and I've no reason to doubt it won't be the same this time round.
"I'm only bothered about what it means in terms of England and I can't talk about anybody else or if that makes them better paid: the matter is to have a full and proper negotiation.
"I certainly recognise the value of the players and what they bring to it.
"Those discussions have gone well. Sometimes when you get to the last pieces of discussion they are the more difficult bits.
"It's a key priority at the moment. We have to get it done by the end of the season, and we believe we will get it done."
