Premiership players want answers over 25% wage cuts before training return
Premiership players are poised to seek clarification over whether their 25% pay cuts will be stopped as well as what the Covid-19 testing procedures are before agreeing to return to training following approval from the government.
The Premiership welcomed the DCMS guidelines which allow players to train individually, provided they are physically distanced, but the Rugby Football Union warned there is “significant work to do” before that can happen. A decision on precisely when players can return to their clubs is expected on Thursday following a meeting between both organisations and the Rugby Players’ Association.
The guidelines also come with a host of conditions, including clubs conducting one-on-one discussions with players, who are required to “opt in” to returning to training. Wage cuts and concerns over testing – of which the guidelines made no mention – are expected to be raised.
As revealed by the Guardian, the initial 25% wage cuts across the Premiership in March were met with resistance by players, largely because clubs did not adopt a uniform approach. Some stated they would last until players came off the government’s furlough scheme while others were less clear as to whether it would be until they resumed training, or until the clubs started receiving income again. Players were given legal advice to reserve their position, with claims of unlawful deduction of wages likely, and if clubs are not willing to restore players to their full wages when they are expected to return to training, it could lead to further claims.
While clubs are expected to seek clarification, players returning to training in any capacity is highly likely to mean they no longer qualify for the