Strike threat over as Rugby Australia and RUPA end pay stand-off
Australia’s Super Rugby players will take a 30 per cent pay cut until the end of September as a stand-off between Rugby Australia and the Rugby Union Players Association came to an end on Wednesday night.
Rugby Australia said in a statement an interim pay deal had been agreed by both parties in a major sigh for relief for the code just two days out from the start of Super Rugby AU.
Australian Super Rugby players will take a 30 per cent pay cut until the end of September. Credit:Getty
The deal ended fears of strike action, but players still have no certainty around what will happen from October onwards until RA ascertains what international fixtures will be played later in the year.
When COVID-19 forced the shutdown of Super Rugby in March, players agreed to take a 60 per cent pay reduction, on average, until a new competition could resume.
Back at the negotiating table, RA had initially proposed a 40 per cent pay cut from July to December, but RUPA has worked to ensure new salaries will only be altered until September 30.
“The deal has secured Australian Super Rugby players a flat 70 per cent of their contracted remuneration, eligible match payments and bonuses until the end of September and follows phase one of Rugby Australia’s organisational restructure at the start of June,” read a statement from RA. “This agreement covers the Super Rugby AU competition and will be renegotiated prior to any Test match program beyond September 30, 2020.”
Interim chief executive Rob Clarke said: “Australians all around the country are currently facing an incredibly difficult economic environment and rugby is certainly no different. The professional players have acknowledged the important role they play in ensuring the future health of rugby in Australia and I thank them for their co-operation throughout this negotiation to ensure the competition starts this coming Friday night.”
RUPA has been contacted for comment.
More to come