Wallabies squad members have returned to full remuneration, while remaining Australian professionals will remain on 70% of their normal wage for the rest of 2020.
This follows a new deal being struck between Rugby Australia and the Australian Rugby Union Players’ Association (Rupa) through until 31 December.
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The agreed deal ensures Australian Super Rugby players maintain a flat 70% of their contracted remuneration, eligible match payments and bonuses until the end of December while the Wallabies playing squad are now back to their full contracted remuneration.
Rugby Australia confirmed the news ahead of the upcoming two Bledisloe Cup Tests against the All Blacks in New Zealand in October.
After the Covid-19 pandemic halted the season back in March, Australian professionals agreed to a 60% pay cut, which was raised to 70% between July and September.
‘I want to thank Justin Harrison and his team at Rupa for their collaborative approach during these negotiations,’ Rugby Australia interim chief executive Rob Clarke said.
‘We are obviously not alone in the financial challenges that we are facing but our playing group have stood up and acknowledged their role to play in securing the game’s future in Australia.
‘The players put on a terrific show during Super Rugby AU. It was a great season and it wouldn’t have been possible without the numerous sacrifices made by each of our five teams and their playing squads.
‘We are now all extremely excited about the upcoming Test season. The Wallabies squad trained exceptionally hard before their departure to New Zealand to ensure they were in the best possible condition ahead of two Tests next month.
‘There have been countless success stories in the community game, too. We’re entering finals time for a lot of Premier Rugby competitions around the country – and that is thanks to each of the member unions as well as the army of volunteers, that truly are the lifeblood of the game in this country.’
Rupa chief executive Justin Harrison thanked Clarke for their transparency and honesty in solving a ‘common problem’.
‘Australia’s professional rugby players recognise the current state of the game and requirement to make these commitments for rugby in Australia,’ Harrison said.
‘Rupa would like thank Rugby Australia for the honest and forthright approach, that was founded on the principles of transparency and participation, in solving a common problem. Rupa also wants to acknowledge the partnership approach that was adopted, and in particular to Rob Clarke, Adam Foulsham and Hamish McLennan for their co-operation in navigating rugby through this perilous period for Australian professional sport.’
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Photo: Getty Images
