England Rugby Players Sign Pay Deal
England international rugby players have finally ended their ongoing financial dispute with the Rugby Football Union after signing a new performance-based pay deal.
After months of talks and rumours of strike action, the Professional Rugby Players’ Association (PRA) finally negotiated the contract that will run for four years.
Team England Rugby, who were represented by the PRA, and the RFU agreed on a deal that runs from 1 July 2008 until 30 June 2012.
The contract includes both individual and team bonuses on a match-by-match basis.
Under the previous deal, England players were paid a flat rate of £9,000 per game. The new contract will see a flat rate of £8,200 per game, but victory will see that rise to about £11,000.
PRA chief executive Damian Hopley said that with image rights on top, the players will earn £13,500 per game, with a potential yearly wage of £185,000 a season.
Stated Hopley: ‘The initial concern was because there could be an implication that the players hadn’t played to their best – and that was insulting.
‘Both sides were robust but committed to sorting out a deal. The discussions went to the wire but we’re delighted with the outcome. I have been in with the squad recently and there is a tremendous atmosphere in the camp. Everyone is delighted to put these issues to bed.’
Back in 2000, the England squad, which was led by now manager Martin Johnson, went on a brief strike in a row over financial arrangements before the issue was resolved.
