Rugby sevens players apply to join union
B.C. Labour Relations Board has scheduled meeting for Friday
Canada’s top rugby sevens players have applied for union certification, turning up their dispute with Rugby Canada another notch.
The B.C. Labour Relations Board has scheduled a meeting for Friday on the players’ request to join the United Steelworkers of America.
Thirteen members of the Canadian sevens squad have boycotted training sessions in Langford, B.C., refusing to sign Rugby Canada’s contract offer.
In a bid to maximize its resources, Rugby Canada has opted for one centralized player pool rather than have the 15s and sevens teams practise separately. The sport’s governing body is also looking to spread its financial resources, with some sevens players taking a cut so others can have their funding improved.
Co-captains Nate Hirayama and Harry Jones, via social media, have complained that sevens deserves more respect.
“It’s 2018. 7s is no longer just a development tool. We have to get with the times or we’re going to get left behind,” Hirayama tweeted above a picture of the Canadian team celebrating its victory at the 2017 Singapore Sevens.
Jones’s tweet contained another photo of Singapore celebrations that showed the players hoisting coach Damian McGrath in the air.
“These players and staff have dedicated their lives and careers for moments like these. All we want is to keep chasing our dreams,” Jones said.
A lawyer representing the boycotting sevens players says six have volunteered to help the 15s squad in its World Cup qualifying “provided the men’s 7s players are treated fairly.”
Rugby Canada had turned down the offer, he added.
The Canadians 15s side is currently ranked 23rd in the world and faces a last-chance World Cup qualifying tournament in November. Canada’s sevens squad, which finished ninth on the World Series circuit last season, begins play in Dubai in late November.
Rugby Canada CEO Allen Vansen has said the organization supports the players’ bid for representation.