Rugby Australia makes one third of staff redundant

David Skippers

Rugby Australia has announced that 47 of its 142 full-time staff will be made redundant in the coming months as they begin an organisational restructure.

That equates to one third of staff while the senior staff who were retained on Monday have been asked to take a five per cent pay cut when changes occur.

Furthermore, Rugby Australia confirmed that 30 other contractors and casual staff have been let go with immediate effect as drastic measures take place.

This comes after Australia’s professional players took an average 60 per cent salary cut until the end of September, with all these cost cutting measures expected to reduce the organisation’s wage bill by $5.5 million, which RA believe gives them the best possible chance of keeping their head above water.

“Today was an incredibly difficult day for the organisation with many people affected by changes that are necessary to ensure the viability and sustainability of the organisation as a result of the devastating impacts of the pandemic,” said Rugby AU interim CEO Rob Clarke in a statement.

“We have delivered the news to staff this morning and told them that Rugby Australia values the contribution of each and every one of them, some of whom have given significant service to Rugby Australia and to the game over many years.

“This is a difficult time for a lot of very passionate, hard-working rugby people and we are committed to helping those people find their next opportunity, whether it be within the game or elsewhere.”

Clarke continued that the second phase of the restructure process will involve cost cutting measures at the state and territory unions.

“Today we have announced phase one of the restructure of the rugby landscape, and the next phase will focus on the role of Rugby Australia and the member unions to find further opportunities for savings and efficiencies in the way we deliver our rugby programs and administrative operations across each of our businesses,” he said.

“This second phase involves a significant piece of work that will be managed carefully over the coming months working closely with the leaders of each of the organisations looking at both the delivery of the professional game, and the community game across each state and territory.”

Australia Rob Clarke