Not happy

Rugby Players Ireland have released a statement expressing their “disappointment” following a report that player salaries are set to be cut by 20% across the board by the IRFU.

The Irish Times broke the news last week that the cuts are planned with all non-playing staff also set to moved to a four-day working week.

But it appears Rugby Players Ireland were not initially informed of the plans following their strongly-worded statement released today.

“We are very disappointed to see recent media reports about proposed player salary cuts,” a Rugby Players Ireland statement read.

“We are in the very early phase of discussions with the IRFU to establish fully the current and long term financial position of the Union and only then can the players fully consider any proposal.

“Rugby Players Ireland will not be commenting further at this time.”

IRFU staff, both players and non-playing employees, are already on a  pay deferral scheme since the sport was put on pause in mid-March. The pay deferrals range from 10% to 50% depending on the employee’s salary.