Players could have a greater say in the future direction of their sport after World Rugby signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the International Rugby Players Association (IRPA).
The new agreement will see the world governing body double its financial commitment to £1.5 million through to 2020 with players consulted on a range of issues, including the role of agents, player welfare, international eligibility and season structures.
World Rugby released details of the MOU Monday, which will look at "competition, tournament and season structure matters", "focus on all aspects of player welfare" and "international player release, eligibility and availability".
It will also look at creating a framework that "manages and standardises the role of agents" according to World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont.
"It's important that players are united and have a strong voice in the game. This agreement with World Rugby is a good step forward to addressing many of issues facing rugby players across the world," Ireland fly-half and IRPA Northern Hemisphere president Jonathan Sexton said.