ENGLAND’S women’s players will get “a substantial uplift in salaries” after the Rugby Football Union confirmed a four-year contract framework with the Red Roses today.

England were crowned Women’s Rugby World Cup winners last September and won an eighth consecutive Women’s Six Nations title earlier this year.

Part of the package includes a guaranteed minimum of 32 full-time contracts and the continuation of transitional contracts for emerging players.

Additionally, a “substantial uplift in player salaries, match fees and commercial opportunities” is included, along with the introduction of a Rugby World Cup selection bonus and a formal mid-cycle review mechanism.

England skipper Meg Jones told the England Rugby website: “As Red Roses our goal is always to be the number one team in the world on the field and off it. The investment into our programme and our pathways is critical to that and so this is an important moment for the group and for the game in England.”