The appointment of England's World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson onto the Professional Game Board has been welcomed by the players' union as a "significant step forward".

Johnson will be the fourth Premier Rugby representative on the body set up to run elite rugby in England, which comes into effect on July 1.

Johnson's appointment last week follows the announcement of his former England team-mate Jason Leonard as one of the Rugby Football Union's representatives.

The PGB forms part of the new eight-year agreement between Premier Rugby, the umbrella body for the 12 Guinness Premiership clubs, and the RFU.

Damian Hopley, chief executive of the Professional Rugby Players' Association, said: "These appointments are a significant step forward in helping to bed in the new agreement for professional rugby in England.

"Even though Martin and Jason are representing two different parties on the PGB, their unparalleled rugby experience will give the current PRA membership great confidence that the PGB can address rugby matters and ensure that the players' well-being remains a primary objective.

"For the first time in English rugby's professional history, both current and recently-retired players will have a direct say in the direction the game is taking."

The PGB will be made up of 10 representatives, with Johnson joined on the Premier Rugby side of the table by chief executive Mark McCafferty, Gloucester chief executive Tom Walkinshaw and Leicester chairman Peter Wheeler.

The RFU contingent is made up of chief executive Francis Baron, elite rugby director Rob Andrew, Club England chairman John Spencer and Leonard.

The two PRA representatives are Hopley and chairman David Barnes, the Bath prop.

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