England To Play Extra International Match In '16 To Fund World Cup Compensation Package

England is set to play an extra int'l in '16 to help to fund a £13M ($21M) World Cup compensation package that the Rugby Football Union "has agreed with Premiership Rugby," according to Alex Lowe of the LONDON TIMES. The traditional Barbarians match at the end of May "will be 'upgraded' in 2016," with full int'l opposition expected at Twickenham. England will now play 13 matches in '16. The multifaceted agreement "also gives Premiership Rugby the opportunity to stage an international club fixture at Twickenham." The inclusion of the two extra matches at Twickenham "is indicative of the complex nature of the arrangement, but the deal ended any fears of a protracted dispute." The RFU "will not be writing" out a £13M check. Instead, the money "is tied to a raft of different initiatives and opportunities" (LONDON TIMES, 9/20).