New Zealand Sevens salaries are set to double within the next year in a bid to lighten workloads and create specialist pathways in the build up to the next Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
High Performance Sport New Zealand this week handed the New Zealand Rugby Union $6.4 million over the next four years - $4.8 million to the men-s and $1.6 million to the respective women’s sevens programmes - to enhance the push for dual gold medals in 2016.
It is understood some of that funding will be specifically used to boost player wages.
At present, annual NZ sevens base salaries range from $25,000 to $45,000, plus $2000 for each tournament appearance.
Story by: William Waqavakatoga
[Source: Stuff.co.nz]