New Zealand Rugby to freeze 50 per cent pay for leading players

New Zealand Rugby has announced that a 50 per cent of salary will be cut for leading players if they are unable to play any more games this year following the pandemic coronavirus.

The list extends to players from All Blacks, Super Rugby, sevens and Black Ferns earning more than NZ$50,000.

The decision follows after the outbreak of COVID-19 has suspended the ongoing Super Rugby competition and other domestic tournaments leading to a high loss financially.

"The players are committed to playing their part in ensuring the long-term future of the sport and to ensure the game best manages the financial implications of Covid-19," New Zealand Rugby Players' Association chief executive Rob Nichol said.

"In contemplating a scenario based on no professional rugby in 2020, NZR and the NZRPA together recognised the need to act now to prepare the game and the players for this, even if there is every intention of doing all we can to avoid it.

"In the event that this financial scenario eventuates, the frozen payments and benefits would become waived permanently.

"Alternatively, if professional rugby can resume and the financial outlook improves, then some of the frozen payments and benefits could be reinstated."

The Super Rugby competition was suspended after seven rounds following the travel restrictions laid down by the government while All Blacks head coach Ian Foster admitted that their July series against Wales and Scotland is unlikely to happen due to the current scenario.