Plymouth Albion find solution to high wage bill

Clayton's pay deal could pave the way for other cash-strapped rugby clubs

Plymouth Albion have announced that flanker Darren Clayton has been sponsored by a building company, rather than signing a contract with the club.

The deal means that Clayton's wages will be paid for by Seddon Property Services, instead of by Albion.

Clayton, 23, has been in the Albion squad since the start of the season, but was unable to sign a contract at Brickfields due to budget restrictions.

The flanker has made seven league appearances for Plymouth this term.

The sponsorship deal means that Clayton is not tied to Albion, and that the club will rely on his desire to play for them, rather than having any contractual power over him.

Plymouth Albion head coach Graham Dawe told BBC Sport that such an arrangement could well be repeated in future.

It's brilliant to have financial security, it means I can put my rugby first.

Darren Clayton

Dawe said: "We have our doors open for any quality player that wants to come and play with us.

"And if we can secure some extra sponsorship from outside the club we welcome it, because you need good players to become a good team."

For the player himself, the deal ends several months of uncertainty over whether or not it was financially viable for him to stay in Devon.

Clayton said: "It's brilliant to have financial security, especially in this climate, and it means I can put my rugby first."

The arrangement between Plymouth Albion, Clayton and his sponsor is a novel approach to coping with the reduced playing budgets that many Championship clubs are now operating under.

Albion were forced to cut player salaries in January, and so far this season three other Championship clubs have experienced financial problems.

London Welsh were deducted five points for going into administration at the start of the season.

Birmingham & Solihull were only granted permission to remain in the league by the Rugby Football Union last Wednesday following speculation over their future after they went into voluntary liquidation on 23 October.

Coventry have followed the Bees' move this week after owner Andrew Green cited an inability to attract new investment to the West Midlands side.