All Blacks players are set to take a 10% pay cut and forego most incentives and bonuses due to the strains on New Zealand Rugby as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
With Vodacom Super Rugby suspended indefinitely, and previously proposed attempts at a domestic restructuring unlikely to take place, New Zealand Rugby is coming under immense financial pressure.
With the loss in revenue due to broadcasts not taking place, and no gate-takings at stadiums, it is going to be an extremely challenging time financially for rugby unions. It’s also widely expected that the annual mid-year Tests will not be able to go ahead as originally planned.
All Blacks star: Pay cuts inevitable
As confirmed by head coach Ian Foster last week, the All Blacks coaching group and the team’s other backroom staff have already agreed to a massive salary reduction and it is now being reported that the All Blacks will follow suit.
According to leading rugby journalist and broadcaster Scotty Stevenson, the monetary cut won’t be limited to just player salaries. It will include retirement funds, incentives and bonuses. It is believed New Zealand will make an official announcement in due course.
This would also include retirement fund contributions, estimated at $10,000 per annum per Super Rugby player
— Scotty Stevenson (@sumostevenson) April 7, 2020
Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
