RFU signs ten key Sevens players

The Rugby Football Union has broken new ground by signing ten core members of England's provisional Commonwealth Games Sevens squad on central contracts.

Twickenham officials hope the move could prove a significant step towards eventually bringing England's best senior players under full RFU control.

England's current access to their elite players is governed by an eight-year agreement with the Aviva Premiership clubs worth around 110million. The deal, which expires in 2015, prohibits the RFU from recruiting established Premiership players. None of those who signed Sevens terms with the RFU had been offered club contracts.

But England believe this initiative could eventually help them develop the next generation of internationals under their own roof, with players being loaned out to clubs for experience.

• Magners League side Newport Gwent Dragons have signed Wales flanker Robin Sowden-Taylor from Cardiff Blues on a two-year contract.

Sowden-Taylor will compete with Gavin Thomas for the openside jersey at Rodney Parade.