5 Apr 2020

Rugby Australia pay talks to continue

11:04 pm on 5 April 2020

Rugby Australia have released a statement saying that talks with the Rugby Union Players Association regarding a short-term pay deal will continue into this week.

Australian Rugby CEO Raelene Castle.

Raelene Castle Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle and chairman Paul McLean said in a joint statement that "good progress" was made in the meeting but discussions would continue.

The pair met over the weekend as they look to strike a fair deal with the players to ease the financial pressure on the governing body at such a difficult time.

Talks have been brought about as a result of the devastating impacts of the global COVID-19 health and now economic crisis, with Rugby Australia issuing a progress update on their website.

"Representatives of Rugby Australia and the Rugby Union Players Association (RUPA) met again today and made good progress in the process of negotiating an emergency and interim pay deal in response to the global COVID-19 crisis," they said.

"Talks were positive and robust, with both parties agreeing to continue to move negotiations forward with ongoing discussions scheduled for this week.

"Rugby Australia remains focused on securing a fair and reasonable deal with the players that will help protect the long-term future of our game.

"We also welcome recent comments by World Rugby as it assists all national unions navigate through this very difficult time.

"The players understand that the burden must be shared by everyone in our game and we will look to reach an agreement which is fair and reasonable given the extraordinary circumstances we are in."

-Rugby Australia