Blues, Ospreys yet to agree wage reductions

DRAGONS and Scarlets have agreed a 25 per cent reduction in player salaries with their squads for the next 12 months.

Clubs are having to cut costs because of the coronavirus pandemic.

In April, the Professional Rugby Board (PRB) reached an agreement with the Welsh Rugby Players’

Association (WRPA) over a three-month 25 per cent salary cut.

The four Welsh regions Dragons, Cardiff Blues, Ospreys and Scarlets – have been negotiating with their own squads over further reductions with the Blues and Ospreys yet to come to an agreement.

Scarlets and Wales hooker Ken Owens said: “They’ve been interesting conversations over the last four or five months.

“To be fair, the players here know the situation; they’ve been great, the region has been great, we’ve been very open with each other – sharing information and having these discussions.”

Dragons chairman David Buttress praised the “conduct” of the players.

“We have been committed to a collaborative approach throughout this process and, on behalf of the board, I thank the players for their combined efforts in agreeing a resolution that will ensure our business continues to move forward,” Buttress said.

“We are extremely proud of how our playing group have conducted themselves during this difficult period.”

Dragons will restart their season after lockdown with a PRO14 derby away to Ospreys on Sunday, while Scarlets host Cardiff Blues on Saturday.