Rugby players offer to take 40 per cent pay cut

The Rugby Union Players Association have responded to Rugby Australia’s plea for help to save the code.

Super Rugby players, including Waratahs star Kurtley Beale, are willing to accept a 42 per cent pay cut

Australia’s rugby players have offered to take a pay cut of just over 40 per cent. The Rugby Union Players Association tabled the offer to Rugby Australia on Tuesday and the governing body is yet to respond.

The 192 professional players have been asked by RA to accept reduced payments for an initial period of three months from April 1 to June 30.

RUPA’s chief executive Justin Harrison could not provide comment when contacted by The Australian.

Rugby Australia Chief Executive Raelene Castle.

The players’ offer of over 40 per cent follows Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle’s decision to accept a 50 per cent pay cut, while RA executives have taken a 30 per cent pay cut.

While RUPA has not made any public comment in recent days it has been scathing of RA management in the last week — frustrated with the lack of communication with the Raelene Castle-led administration.

Last week RUPA openly criticised RA for refusing to sit down and negotiate with players and open the books on its dire financial position.

The players had to sign a non-disclosure agreement late last week to gain access to Rugby Australia’s financial documents which were finally released last Saturday morning.

Rugby Australia still haven’t made the unaudited 2019 annual report public.

Castle’s days in the top job are understood by The Australian to be numbered.