Pay cut.

The IRFU (Irish Rugby Football Union) and RPI (Rugby Players Ireland) today agreed on a reduction in players’ salaries until the end of 2020.

The two bodies have been locked in talks for a number of weeks now as the IRFU look to battle the current ongoing worldwide financial crisis as a result of the pandemic.

The details include:

No impact for players on salaries up to €25,000 per annum.

For players on salaries over €25,000 per annum:

A 10% salary reduction from 1st July to 31st December 2020.
A 10% salary deferral from 1st July to 31st December 2020, with 5% subject to a retrospective salary reduction pending the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Commenting Philip Browne, Chief Executive, IRFU, said:

“Irish Rugby, like all sports organisations, businesses and society in general, has been severely impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis with major uncertainty continuing around our future financial income streams. The IRFU, the Provinces and Clubs remain in a highly precarious financial situation, making it critically important that an agreement was reached on this matter.”

Commenting Simon Keogh, Chief Executive, RPI stated:

“Aware of the significant challenges facing not just rugby but the country as a whole as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, we believe the agreement reached is reflective of our shared ambition to see rugby at all levels continue to thrive. We would like to acknowledge the good working relationship with the IRFU that has underpinned the process and will continue to contribute to Ireland’s on-field success. The players have already returned to work and are focused on preparing for the much-anticipated return to competitive rugby in August.”