New deal provides big boost for rugby
RUGBY UNION: Women’s rugby union is set to reap the benefits of a new collective bargaining agreement.
After months of negotiation, Rugby Australia, the Rugby Union Players Association and Australia’s four Super Rugby teams yesterday signed off on the new deal with women’s rugby sevens one of the biggest winners.
Starting this year there will be pay equality between Super Rugby and Rugby Sevens players, male and female, with entry level full-time minimum salaries replicated across the professional game.
Wallaroos players will also receive Test match payments for the first time.
“The new CBA is the first of its kind to incorporate all professional programs, including our Sevens teams and the Wallaroos, and importantly addresses key issues of pay equality and player welfare,” outgoing Rugby Australia CEO Bill Pulver said.
Downs Rugby general manager Mitch Simpson said the CBA duly recognised the growing status of women’s rugby.
“It’s a real positive for women’s rugby,” Simpson said.
It’s a real positive for women’s rugby. — Mitch Simpson
“It (rugby sevens) is an Olympic sport and it is good to see its growing status being acknowledged.”
Simpson believes the CBA will help grow the game at a grassroots level.
“We have seen massive increase in female player numbers over the past three years – last year we had 400-500 players in various competitions,” he said.
“Now players will have more opportunities and see there is a clear pathway to follow.
“We have seen cricket and Aussie Rules increase their professionalism recently and now rugby is starting to compete right alongside them.”
Under the CBA, Super Rugby clubs can also increase their squads from 36 to 40 players.
“As long as the clubs don’t use it as an opportunity to sign more stars it will be good for the game,” Simpson said.
“If they use it as an opportunity to give a few more of their younger players contracts it will help develop the game.”