Premiership Rugby announce change in transfer regulations

Aviva Premiership clubs have decided unanimously to amend a league regulation affecting player transfer fees.

The decision comes after the latest swap deal that saw Gloucester's Jonny May move to Leicester Tigers with Ed Slater moving the other way round to Kingsholm.

According to the new regulation, May, who had a year contract left with Gloucester could move for a fixed fee - a sum equivalent to the player's salary offered in the new club or either his existing salary paid in his original club - whichever is higher.

The move which was agreed by all the clubs earlier this week is aimed to protect the smalls clubs from helping their players with lower salaries from being poached that will help the tournament restore its competitiveness.

Earlier, Gloucester rugby director David Humphreys reflecting on May's swap deal said rugby is edging towards football.

"The reality now is that rugby is moving towards football.

"In effect, Jonny came in and handed in a transfer request. He did it and explained it was for personal reasons and for some rugby reasons.

"We have the view, Johan (Gloucester head coach Johan Ackermann) and I, that we only want players playing for Gloucester who want to be here.

"Jonny has been an outstanding player for Gloucester for many years, and the X-factor he brings will be missed, no question."