Northampton Saints become latest club to announce 25 per cent wages cut

The 25 per cent wages cut for Premiership staffs continues with the latest announcing the pay cuts being Northampton Saints.

Sale Sharks, Worcester, Wasps, Saracens, Gloucester, Harlequins and Leicester Tigers have already made the announcement following the outbreak of the coronavirus

The Rugby Football Union has already cancelled all domestic games except the Premiership and considering the current global scenario due to the spread of COVID-19, the top tier is unlikely to resume this season.

Northampton chief-executive Mark Darbon expressed confidence on overcoming the setback but felt the cut in wages was necessary considering the lost of significant reduction in income due to the cancel of games and events.

"We have been making good progress, both on and off the pitch, but the outbreak is now creating significant stress on our business model, as it is for other clubs in our league and, indeed, for sports and entertainment businesses more broadly.

"In short, we are faced with a significant slowdown in our income.

"While we are extremely confident we can weather this storm, on the basis of these unique circumstances the club's board are unanimous that we have to make timely and difficult decisions in order to protect Northampton Saints for the foreseeable future.

"Alongside a number of other financial management measures, the board have therefore taken the decision to reduce salaries for all of the club's players and staff by 25 per cent, effective from April 1.

"Clearly, this is not a decision that was taken lightly, but it was a necessary adjustment to make to reduce our cost base with immediate effect."