Rugby Australia and players union agree on pay deal

David Skippers

After lengthy negotiations, Rugby Australia and the Rugby Union Players Association (RUPA) have agreed to an interim pay deal amid the coronavirus pandemic.

While no official details are yet to be confirmed, RUPA CEO Justin Harrison released a statement on Monday night confirming an agreement had been reached after more than a fortnight of formal discussions.

Harrison described the agreed pay reduction as “significant” and it is expected that players will take a varying range of pay cuts over the coming months depending on their salary.

“Australia’s professional players will play a central role in the short–term preservation of the game by accepting a significant reduction in pay in order for necessary transformation to begin,” he said in a statement.

“The players reached a resolution with the Member Unions and Rugby Australia today.

“RUPA’s members understand their part in the game’s immediate future and the responsibility that goes with it. The players have voted as a block in supporting RUPA’s recommendation.”

It has been reported that some of the game’s top earners, who will accept the largest cuts, will be able to take up overseas sabbatical options between 2021 and 2023 to compensate for the reduction in salary they will be receiving in coming months.

The state unions will be eligible to receive Jobkeeper payments to help top up or pay player wages, as has been the case with administration staff at the national body and each state.

The news comes after weeks of back and forth between Australia’s 192 professional players and Rugby Australia, even before formal negotiations were officially able to start on April 3.

In the Monday night statement, Harrison said the the focus for players would now switch to a “root and branch” transformation of the sport.

“Immediate attention must now turn to the long-term sustainability of the game and this agreement allows the players to make a significant contribution to that. RUPA will work closely with the Member Unions to achieve this,” he said.

“RUPA believes in the need for transformation.

“This process has enabled a greater understanding of the need for root and branch reform of the game.

“The players will, with others, focus on playing a role in engaging and supporting all levels of rugby from grass roots communities through to the professional level.”

Rugby Australia is expected to release further details of the final agreement on Monday night.

Australia