Players like Jonny Wilkinson are currently employed by their clubs, not England

"We would like central contracts, starting with a small number of players and building up," said RFU performance director Chris Spice.

But he admitted that it was possible a compromise might be necessary.

"We would accept a system which allowed us to manage the players for certain periods of the season - November, the Six Nations and the summer," he said.

The move is designed to boost England's chances of retaining the Rugby World Cup in 2007, with club-versus-country rows becoming an increasingly common sight in the game.

It would put English rugby union on a par with its southern hemisphere rivals and the England cricket side, which has blossomed since central control over players was introduced.

If players were centrally contracted it would enable the RFU to significantly reduce the number of matches played by top players over the year.

England and France are at a disadvantage going into the next World Cup because of the demands placed on players Gloucester prop Phil Vickery

But the plan faces opposition from English Premiership clubs, who are reluctant to lose control over the availability of their most marketable players.

The RFU's move to address the issue follows the recent row over the length of time players who took part in the Lions tour of New Zealand should rest before starting the new season with their clubs.

The RFU unsuccessfully attempted to enforce an agreement that all players have an 11-week rest in the summer, while the clubs argued that the accord did not cover Lions tours.

Leicester coach Pat Howard says the Premiership would struggle if England players were controlled centrally.

Howard has spoken with England coach Andy Robinson about the proposal and said some good ideas came out of thir meeting.

It's a good idea but can't see how you will ever get the clubs to agree From EB Have your say on Scrum V

"Robbo wants the players for a certain amount of time and we want the England internationals playing for the club.

"There's no debate about being involved in international matches - that's a given - but there's a debate about rest periods, week befores and the Six Nations period, and he's got some good ideas," he said.

Gloucester and England prop Phil Vickery agreed that something needs to be done to cut the number of games played by international players.

"I don't know if central contracts are the answer, because where would you start and stop," he said.

"But England and France, the only two big nations with a thriving club game, are at a disadvantage going into the next World Cup because of the demands placed on players."