Players with links to Fiji in Australian Super Rugby teams could be taking massive pay cut

Players with links to Fiji in Australian Super Rugby teams could be taking a massive pay cut.

That’s if Rugby Australia and the Rugby Union Players Association agree on a deal for Australian Super Rugby players to take a 60% pay cut for the next 6 months.

Some of the players set to be affected are Marika Koroibete, Isi Naisarani, Frank Lomani, Tevita Kuridrani and Mark Nawaqanitawase.

Stuff.co.nz reports the agreement will bring to an end almost four weeks of negotiations and will also allow Rugby Australia to slash its wage bill by more than 80% between April and September after government payments are factored in.

Australian Rugby's four top earners Michael Hooper, Kurtley Beale, Matt Toomua and Dane Haylett-Petty will sacrifice more than $A1m between them over the six months.

With a 60% pay cut, JobKeeper, a national wage subsidy scheme for employers in Australia, will cover almost 57% of the outstanding $A6m leaving Rugby Australia and the Super Rugby teams to cover just $A2.6m, representing a saving of 83%.

Rugby Australia will also allow players to negotiate flexible training arrangements with players who need or want to take on jobs outside their teams to support their families.

[Source:Stuff.co.nz]