Pay cuts may trigger rugby revolt

A player revolt over planned pay cuts could be looming for SA Rugby bosses, who have already been left battered and bruised by the Covid-19 pandemic.

There is said to be strong resistance from players to accept a 40% salary cut, with some unions reportedly believed to be considering breakaway action.

Veteran Kings prop Schalk Ferreira has called for players to speak with a strong, unified voice rather than as individuals fighting for their own survival.

Ferreira is the Kings’ representative in the MyPlayers organisation, which looks after the interests of professional players in SA.

There are reports that the players’ body wants SA rugby players and coaches to be given the option of cancelling their contracts after accepting salary cuts.

The draft clause would give players and coaches 60 days to get out of their contracts if they received an offer from another club.

One report said SA administrators opposed the proposal because they fear several top players could be lost to overseas clubs.

This comes a day after Australia’s professional rugby players took a 60% pay cut as the sport navigates the devastating Covid-19 shutdown.

The deal, which affects 192 players, follows three weeks of discussions between Rugby Australia, the country’s four Super Rugby teams and the Rugby Union Players Association.

It is believed SA players may have to absorb a 40% cut as the pandemic bites deep, with rugby in lockdown after the Pro14 and Super Rugby  competitions were postponed indefinitely.

SA’s professional rugby players have voted for collective representation in Covid-19 cost-saving talks as revenue streams dry up.

Talk of a rebellion follows an announcement by the country’s rugby sector — SA Rugby, MyPlayers, the South African Rugby Employers Organisation and Sport Employees Unite — that a jointly developed Covid-19 cost-saving plan had been formulated in principle.

Bulls No 8 Josh Strauss, whose name was linked to the “rebellion", has denied the claim.

“Along with other senior players, I received calls from younger players about the proposed salary reductions being made public," Strauss said.

“There was a lot of concern and confusion, which is to be expected.

“The reality is that none of us is fully equipped to handle the situation, so we acted proactively and sought professional advice.”

Kings stalwart Ferreira has urged players to be cautious.

“I’ve personally seen and felt what happens when you shoot the cow that gives you milk,” Ferreira said in a MyPlayers statement.

“With no money, employers are liquidated and everyone loses.

“The impact of Covid-19 is not limited to the rugby industry, and the only way for rugby players to ensure a return to play in a sustainable professional environment is if all stakeholders work together.

“In this regard, we need a strong player voice and not individuals fighting for their own survival in SA’s rugby boardrooms.

“In the larger scheme of things, that won’t end well.”

The Australian deal, which affects 192 players, follows three weeks of discussions between Rugby Australia, the country’s four Super Rugby teams and the Rugby Union Players Association.

“Sporting organisations around the world are experiencing an unprecedented challenge," Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle said.

“This has not been an easy discussion, but it has been a necessary one to ensure that we are able to emerge on the other side of this crisis in the best possible position for the game to move forward."

Australia’s cuts come after neighbouring New Zealand slashed players’ pay by 50% and Welsh players lost 25% of their wages.