Rugby Australia and Players' Association fail to reach agreement on pay dispute

The wage dispute negotiations between Rugby Australia (RA) and the players’ association (RUPA) failed to reach a breakthrough during their meeting on Saturday.

The two parties were in discussion to discuss the salary cut of the players after the financial instability caused by the pandemic coronavirus which led to the cancellation of the 2020 season.

A statement released by RA said both them and RUPA discussed their stand on the issue and is hoping for a conclusion to arrive for the better of game in the country.

“Rugby Australia believes that progress was made and that both parties will continue negotiations in good faith for the good of the game,” a statement released by RA.

“The meeting was finalised early this afternoon and both parties have gone away to consider their position in anticipation of talks continuing over the Easter weekend.

“Rugby Australia is doing everything it can to enable an outcome that will provide short-term financial certainty and enable the game to emerge from this global health and economic crisis and continue to serve the 900-plus rugby clubs in communities across the country.”

Earlier, RA chief executive Raelene Castle took an additional cut of 15 per cent to take her total reduction in wage to 65 per cent ahead of the Saturday's meeting.