Salaries cut for ABs staff

All Blacks coaching staff first to take pay cuts as New Zealand Rugby forced to slash costs in wake of coronavirus pandemic

All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has confirmed he will be taking a pay cut, and that players will follow suit, as New Zealand Rugby looks to limit costs.

In an attempt to counter the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, sporting bodies around the world have begun to cut costs and player salaries. New Zealand Rugby is no different.

Speaking to Newstalk ZB’s Martin Devlin, Foster said he’s agreed to a pay cut — and that players were also willing to take pay cuts.

“Our coaching group has definitely taken a big cut,” Foster said. “It’s already been agreed to — with rugby, when there’s no games, there’s no revenue, and that’s a tough thing.

“There’s been a lot of shaving of the programmes, and what it’s also come down to is cutting salaries.

That’s happened for some and is happening for others.”

Having spoken to several senior players, Foster says they are also aware cuts are coming, and are willing to sacrifice.

“It’s a different sort of process for players but I know they’re willing to go into that space, too. As we go through the next few days, that will be finalised.

“It’s a given — they understand that — it’s just a matter of working it through so all the different levels of players are dealt with fairly. I haven’t had one player yet who doesn’t know it’s going to happen or doesn’t accept it’s going to happen.

“There’s a real willingness of those involved in the game to get behind to do whatever it takes to make sure it survives.”

Foster also warned there could be more cuts to come.

“It’s a dire state when you can’t play a game. We’re obviously in a high-cost, high-revenue industry, and when the revenue dies, you’re left with high costs. So it’s a no-brainer. There’s going to be some pain.

“It’s about being fiscally responsible — we all have to take a cut, and at the end of the day, that may not be the last. But we’ve got a lot of people who are willing to get in behind and are passionate about it, and I’m sure we’re going to get through.”

The confirmation of Foster’s salary cut comes after many players have spoken openly about being willing to take a drop in pay for the good of the game, including Hurricanes and All Blacks hooker Dane Coles.

“That’s totally understandable considering what’s going on in New Zealand,” Coles told Radio Sport’s D’Arcy Waldegrave.

“You don’t want New Zealand Rugby to go under, it would be a bad thing. So hopefully the rugby players around New Zealand can do their part.

“After what’s come out, I don’t think we’ll be getting together again too soon.

“Which is fair enough. At the end of the day, it’s just rugby, and there’s more to life at the moment to worry about, so we’ll just take it as it comes.”

English rugby has already been hit by pay cuts, with national team coach Eddie Jones agreeing to a 25 per cent reduction in his salary, while six Premiership rugby sides have also agreed to take 25 per cent pay cuts.