Danny Care thinks that England players would be happy with mixed contracts if it meant that the best players from the country stayed in the Premier League.
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Premiership Rugby are said to be making progress in their talks.
A deal like this could give England’s coaches more power over their best players and stop them from going to clubs in other countries.
“England needs to have the best players playing in England,” said Care, who is 36.
“I think the players would be on board with that if there were ways to do it that would help the club game and make clubs more financially stable.”
In the last few months, money troubles have become clear in English club rugby.
Worcester Warriors, Wasps, and London Irish all went out of business in the Premiership last season. Jersey Reds, a club in the Championship, said last week that they had “ceased trading” and that liquidation was “inevitable” if they couldn’t find more money.
Also, some of England’s Rugby World Cup team, like Jack Willis, Joe Marchant, and Henry Arundell, will play for French clubs after the event.
“I hope they get it right so that game can grow.”
Care said that Steve Borthwick, the England coach, has been working “behind the scenes” to make sure that clubs and the national team work together to figure out the best way for players to get in shape and grow.
Other countries, like Ireland, have official systems in place that give them control over how much their players play at home.
Scrum-half for Harlequins Care added, “Now that there are only 10 teams in the club game, there will be less games for the lads.”
“I’ve always pushed for Premiership games not to be played during Six Nations windows, and I’ve been a supporter for this. I think both fans and teams want that.
“You want to see your best players on the field, and clubs want to have their best players available. This is good for TV ratings and getting people to come to the arenas.
“They want Owen Farrell to play as much as he can for Saracens. So if there are ways and systems in place to do that, I’m all for it.
“I think I’ve said this a few times: there are a lot of smarter and wiser people than me working on these decisions. I hope they make the right ones so that the game can grow, especially in England.”
