Players call for change as more cuts loom

WALES’ leading players have accused bosses of past errors and called for change in the professional game, writes Ben James.

Welsh players from the four regions agreed a 25% pay cut in April for three months as the sport dealt with the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

It had initially looked as though players were going to oppose any loss of pay, based on a leaked letter from their Association to WRU chief executive Martyn Phillips – only for an agreement to be reached.

That took them until July 1 but reports have now warned that the pay cut would likely be extended.

In response to those reports, the Welsh Rugby Players Association has issued a stronglyworded response that says its members have not “always been treated fairly”.

The statement said: “Welsh Rugby Players Association wants real change in the professional game in response to reports of further pay cuts.

“For a number of years, the struggles of the Regional game in Wales have been well documented. Attendances have continued to suffer, and long-term financial sustainability is, and was a major issue long before Covid-19 accelerated the crisis.

“This is against a backdrop of political manoeuvring and issues around trust and transparency across the professional landscape. This has often meant that players have not always been treated fairly and are often at the brunt of fall out in the game.

“In moments of crisis, change is often needed, and the players are determined to be part of a positive change in the game. As they have demonstrated previously, the players have made sacrifices to protect immediate threats to rugby.

“However, they feel that now is the time for change and the players would like to work with all stakeholders to find sustainable solutions for the good of the sport.” The original pay cuts finish at the start of next month and the WRPA say that players are open to sacrifices being made due to the ongoing pandemic, but those sacrifices would be pointless if the issues that existed before coronavirus remain when rugby returns.