Bears chief: Players need to get real!

PREMIERSHIP players must realise that their value has plummeted, says Bristol Bears chief executive Chris Booy as the rift between clubs and players widened.

English rugby has plunged into a bitter civil war as clubs try to enforce permanent pay cuts, circumventing the Rugby Players’ Association (RPA), who accused club owners of lying and ‘strong-arm’ tactics this week.

Despite the RPA’s protestations, the league’s money men are rushing to reduce player contracts before their manufactured deadline of this Thursday to take advantage of a new salary cap loophole. If a player is on a multi-year contract signed before the end of this month only 75 per cent of his salary will count towards the cap when it is reduced by £1.4m in 2021.

Outside official league channels, club owners turned on the players’ union, saying they were ‘not offering feasible solutions’ and were badly advising players. They insist that ‘the very existence of some professional clubs is at genuine risk’ due to ‘unsustainable’ player salaries.

While not wanting to wade into the messy fight directly, Bristol Bears CEO Booy told The Mail on Sunday it is time for clubs to cut their cloths.

‘This isn’t just about rugby,’ said Booy. ‘In the businesses I am involved in people are taking pay cuts. There is a re-basing to the economic reality.

‘We have to see what’s happening in the economy — unemployment is going to come and salary reductions will result from this crisis. Rugby players have to take their share along with everyone else.

‘There is no question in my mind that their value base is lower. The very best players will always have a significant value because they can go to Japan or France and everyone wants the stardust.

‘But the market has re-based itself. If Joe Bloggs was worth £100,000 a year before, his new contract is £75,000 — that’s market forces. Players are well advised. They have agents, the RPA and some have lawyers. Contracts are between clubs and players, so it’s only right that clubs discuss with players accordingly.’

Bristol backed proposals voted through last Monday to reduce the salary cap from £6.4m to £5m in 2021. They supported the move once it was agreed that one marquee player would be retained, that current contracts would be honoured, and that the level would go up again in four years.

Now Booy thinks ring-fencing the Premiership is the next big move and he wants relegation to halt in 2021.

‘It’ll be a massive issue for the club that gets relegated at the end of next season after this economic crisis,’ he added.

‘It’s a £5m additional loss getting relegated, so then it’s a question of survival for a club unless it’s extremely well funded.

‘It’s quite clear that there are 13 clubs capable of playing in the Premiership, so we should go for 13 clubs. That would allow a 14th if someone is ready.

‘I would never close the door completely but player salaries are driven by the fear of relegation, not marquee players. Ring-fencing would be a clear advantage in this difficult financial time.’