Harlequins announce 25 per cent cut of wages for staff

Gallagher Premiership club Harlequins becomes the latest to ask the staff to take a 25 per cent less wages due to the outbreak of the coronavirus.

The Rugby Football Union has already cancelled all domestic competitions except Premiership following the spread of COVID-19 with the top tier competition also in doubt despite chief executive Darren Childs said the board is exercising all possible options to complete it.

With the losses mounting due to cancelled games and events, Harlequins now became the seventh club to ask the staff to take a 25 per cent less income.

"The past few days have been turbulent, unnerving and challenging for us all," he told in a statement released by the club.

"Rugby has for the moment rightly paused, but in times like these, the most important thing is staying healthy and safe with the welfare of families and communities of paramount importance.

"This move hasn't been taken lightly, but in order to protect jobs, the future of Harlequins and the excellent and committed people that resides within.

"Even with this important contribution, we will need all of our stakeholders to come together to help secure the Club's future."

Earlier, Leicester Tigers, Saracens, Sale Sharks, Gloucester Rugby, Wasps and Worcester Warriors have also asked the players to take 25 per cent reduction in wages.