DAVID SOLE

Mark Dodson, the CEO of the SRU, has begun his challenging task of making savings of £14-million at the governing body by agreeing a deal with Rugby Players Scotland (RPS) for player pay cuts.

In a joint statement by the SRU and RPS, both parties stated they had concluded negotiations to make cuts to player salaries in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

This followed on from the cuts that professional players were forced to endure from April this year, an agreement which concluded last Tuesday.

It seems the negotiations were conducted in a more-cordial fashion than earlier this year, given that it was a joint press release.

RPS were not happy with the SRU’S approach first time around, so it is encouraging both parties seem to have reached an agreement that appears – at least superficially – to be sensible and pragmatic.

There were no details on the size of the pay cuts, which is not surprising.

But there was some indication that should revenues recover later in the year, then RPS members would benefit accordingly.

At the start of the crisis, Dodson came under severe criticism for not leading by example, and addressing the salaries of his executive team first – along with his own.

‘ Negotiations seemed more cordial than the last time around

That was already under serious scrutiny, given the adverse publicity over his extraordinarily large pay package.

There has been no further mention of whether the sacrifices that Dodson and his fellow executives endured are to be continued. But it would be very surprising if they were not.

Salaries make up over 50% of the overall costs at the SRU, so in trying to save around 25% of outgoings, wages will have to bear the brunt of the cutbacks.

Of course, there is still great uncertainty as to the timing of when crowds might return en masse.

The trial for the recent inter-city match at Murrayfield seemed to go as well as could be expected.

But 700 fans isn’t going to make much of a dent in the SRU’S huge shortfall of £18-million of income due to the pandemic.

Everyone will be hoping that the international competition in November goes ahead, and that local outbreaks don’t impact on the ability to run the tournament.

Already, a replacement will need to be found for Japan, who have withdrawn.

Players and fans alike will be hoping that proper crowds will be allowed into the stadia, as playing an international match in front of 700 fans would be soul-destroying.

The most-significant impact will, however, be on the finances of the respective Unions participating.

After seven exceptionally difficult months, everyone will be hoping for a bit of good news, on and off the pitch.