THE ENGLISH players' union has branded plans to impose performance-related pay on international players as "unfair".

The Rugby Football Union yesterday confirmed they were in talks with the Professional Rugby Players' Association over the issue of match fees.

England players are paid £9,000 (€11,300) each per game, regardless of the result.

A report yesterday claimed that instead of paying players around £100,000 (€126,000) a year in total, the RFU have offered a smaller lump sum of about £65,000 (€82,000), with the rest to be topped up by win bonuses.

PRA chairman David Barnes said: "There is a bit of a problem at the moment - not exclusively about money. The major bone of contention is win bonuses on a match-by-match basis. In a team game in which anything can happen and the team can play very well and lose, we believe that to be unfair.

"I don't believe England players are frightened of the concept of an end-of-tournament bonus being paid on top of a fair and negotiated match fee calculated on their finishing position in the Six Nations and World Cup."

There have also been reports England players were threatening strike action over the new four-year contracts, with next month's tour of New Zealand under threat.

But both the RFU and PRA played down that possibility, with the former saying in a statement that talks were continuing in a "positive and productive manner".

Meanwhile, Steve Borthwick has admitted his "surprise" at being appointed England's first captain of the Martin Johnson era.

Bath lock Borthwick has been handed leadership duties by new England boss Johnson for the two-Test New Zealand tour next month, replacing the injured Phil Vickery.

Many pundits believe Borthwick could keep the job beyond this summer, leading into England's demanding autumn schedule that features appointments with New Zealand, Australia and world champions South Africa.

Borthwick though, is looking no further ahead than potentially punishing encounters against the All Blacks in Auckland and Christchurch.

Speaking about his new England role, Borthwick said: "You never expect something like that. There are a number of quality players around and quality leaders. I heard my name being mentioned, but it was a case of concentrating on these games we have got coming up with Bath.

"When Martin called me and asked me to captain the side, you can't expect anything like that. So, yes, it was a surprise."

Asked if he saw himself as skipper for the long haul, Borthwick added: "No, I wouldn't say that at all. To aspire to something like that is not in my make-up.

"What I aspire to is playing at a level and conducting myself at a level that has the respect of my peers. If I am seen fit to do a role like I have been for this tour, then fantastic.

"There are plenty of people with the ability to captain England and I will always support them. Really for me, it is about having the respect of my peers."

Bath visit Wasps on Sunday, when Borthwick and the club could face their toughest task of the season as they strive to book a Twickenham final appearance against Gloucester or Leicester.

He said: "At this stage of the competition, there are no easy challenges.

"Wasps, in particular, certainly know how to win and come through this stage of the season.

"I have heard some of their boys talking in the media about how they feel this is their strongest stage of the season.

"We know we are in for a big contest, but we have won there in the past and we must do so again this time.

"There is no tomorrow. It is now, and we are into the knock-out stages.

"We know it is a big ask and that we are up against a very good side, but I think we are also a very good side, so it could be a great contest.

"There are a lot of teams playing some very good rugby - and Wasps and Bath are two of them.

"I think it is great for English rugby to have teams playing at the level they are. The standard has been immense, and it brings a very exciting climax to the season."

Toulouse have confirmed that France outhalf Frederic Michalak is returning to the club on a three-year contract after a season with the Natal Sharks.

The 25-year-old, who has played 50 Tests for France, joined the Natal Sharks in South Africa after the 2007 World Cup.