All Blacks hooker Dane Coles says players will have to be understanding about the fact that pay cuts could be enforced due to the strains on New Zealand Rugby as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

With Vodacom Super Rugby suspended indefinitely, and previously proposed attempts at a domestic restructuring unlikely to take place, governing bodies are coming under immense pressure.

With the loss in revenue due to broadcasts not taking place, and no gate-takings at stadiums, it is going to be an extremely challenging time financially for rugby unions.

It’s widely expected that the annual mid-year Tests will not be able to go ahead as originally planned.

‘It’s inevitable [pay cuts] and that’s totally understandable considering what’s going on in New Zealand,’ Coles told the New Zealand Herald.

‘Rugby players in New Zealand might have to prepare for that, but that’s just my opinion. You don’t want New Zealand Rugby to go under, it would be a bad thing. So hopefully the rugby players around New Zealand can do their part.’

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