England prop Ellis Genge is aiming to set up a new players' union to "shake up the rugby scene" because he is dissatisfied with the way the issue of pay cuts was been handled during the coronavirus pandemic.
The 25-year-old Leicester star says he does not wish to replace the Rugby Players' Association but he believes the organisation is too closely tied to the Rugby Football Union. The RPA receives funding from the RFU and Premiership Rugby.
Genge told the BBC's Rugby Union Weekly podcast that he was in talks with interested parties over financing, although he was also seeking funding from players.
He said the RPA was "always going to lean in favour" of the RFU or Premiership Rugby, which he said was understandable.
"I am not trying to go against owners of clubs, or the RFU or the RPA. I think we can all work in tandem," he said.
"But I do think it is time to shake up the rugby scene, and look after players -- commercially, and in every aspect -- a lot better."
"But I do feel that people were poorly advised (over the pay cuts). People were advised from the off to sign the contracts without reading them, almost."
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