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Wallabies face cut in match payments
Bret Harris, Rugby Union | January 19, 2009
Article from: The Australian
THE Wallabies have been asked to consider taking pay cuts as part of a wide-ranging strategy to improve the ARU's bottom line.
The ARU is expected to announce a multi-million-dollar financial loss at its annual general meeting in March.
The national union believes it must take a fiscally responsible approach in order to return to profit, particularly in economically difficult times.
There has been discussion between the ARU and the Rugby Union Players Association about reducing the Wallabies' match payments from $11,400 to $10,000 a Test as part of the collective bargaining agreement negotiations.
This would save the ARU a potential $462,000 a year in match payments to Test players.
Not surprisingly, players are said to be unhappy about the prospect of a pay cut, but would be prepared to consider the sacrifice if there was a genuine financial imperative.
It is believed the players would also be more accepting of a cut if cost-saving measures were introduced across the board at the ARU.
The ARU is not expecting the players to shoulder the burden alone. It has already made moves to cut costs and more measures are expected to be implemented.
The Australia A team, which played in the Pacific Nations Cup, and the Australian Rugby Shield competition between the minor states have been scrapped and several positions have been made redundant.
There is also talk of the ARU looking to save money on the Wallabies' hotel accommodation during training camps.
While the players may be supportive of the ARU's financial strategy, they will seek a quick resolution of a pressing issue which is causing a great deal of concern. The ARU and RUPA are yet to agree on a new early release policy for players wanting to leave Australia to play overseas, a matter that has dragged on for nearly a year.
Players are contracted from January to December, but European competitions begin in September, which can make it difficult for players to secure deals.
Under existing terms, players are granted an early release from their contracts if they have played 30 Tests or 60 Super rugby games.
The ARU wants to change the criteria to 55 Tests or 80 Super rugby games, which has met resistance from RUPA, which believes the increase is too great.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...015651,00.html
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