The Welsh Rugby Union have struck a new five-year payment deal with players that could see top international stars earning a bonus of up to £100,000 each.
The new contracts are valid for the next two Rugby World Cups, tours to Australia, Japan, South Africa and New Zealand, RBS 6 Nation Tournaments and the summer and autumn international series.
The deal was brokered by Chief Executive Roger Lewis, Wales captain Matthew Rees and Players Chair Gethin Jenkins.
A statement on the WRU website read: “The payments to players are based on rewarding success over and above a basic fee.
“The contract identifies and establishes basic match fees, bonuses and commercial player appearances on behalf of the WRU in a unique all-embracing deal.”
According to BBC Sport Wales, Welsh stars could be in line for a £100,000 bonus payout if they appear in every round of a successful 2011 World Cup campaign.
“I am delighted we have been able to agree such an all embracing and groundbreaking five-year deal,” said Lewis.
“This new contract secures the long term future of the elite professional game at international level for an unprecedented term.”
