England's top rugby clubs agreed to freeze the salary cap for the next two seasons as the sport grapples with the global economic downturn.

The threshold for each of the 12 Premiership clubs will be kept at STG4 million ($A8.74 million), while the 22-game fixture program will be extended.

The measures were announced after a meeting of Premier Rugby, the umbrella body set up by Premiership teams to manage the elite club game in England.

Club chairmen were "particularly focused on the measures necessary to continue the growth of the club game over the next two years in a very difficult economic climate," Premier Rugby said in a statement.

"In order to maintain the salary cap at the current level, avoid salary cuts and maintain jobs, Guinness Premiership fixtures must be increased, particularly over strong periods for the clubs and their supporters, such as Christmas and New Year."

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