All Blacks coaches accept ‘big’ pay cut

All Blacks head coach Ian Foster says he and his colleagues are taking a pay cut and players will follow suit as New Zealand Rugby cuts expenses while professional competitions are shuttered during the coronavirus pandemic.

In a radio interview on Saturday, Foster confirmed he and other coaches had agreed to substantial pay cuts as long as New Zealand Rugby’s revenues are affected. He did not give a percentage figure.

“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 programs and what it’s also come down to is cutting salaries. That’s happened for some and happening for others.”

Foster said he had spoken to several All Blacks players who accept their pay will be cut and are prepared to make that sacrifice.

“It’s a different sort of process for players but I know that they’re willing to go into that space too,” he said.