In an extraordinary move which displays the character of this Bristol Bears squad, the 2019/20 cohort have collectively agreed to take a 25 per cent pay cut during the coronavirus shutdown.
The move has been made by Premiership rugby clubs up and down the country to collectively take steps to prevent the financial survival of the top flight professional game during this period of uncertainty.
Premiership Rugby is currently suspended until April 24 when Bristol Bears travel to Worcester Warriors, with games against Saracens, Gloucester, Sale Sharks, Exeter Chiefs and the Challenge Cup quarter-final against Dragons postponed.
However with no end in sight to the government restrictions on mass gatherings in a bid to restrict the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19, there is expected to be further delays to the season.
Earlier today the RFU confirmed all rugby seasons apart from the Gallagher Premiership would not resume again in 2019/20.
So far Worcester Warriors, Gloucester and Wasps have both confirmed they are taking similar cost cutting measures to the Bears with every other club expected to follow suit in the next 24 hours.
The decision to implement the cuts were reached at an emergency board meeting of Premier Rugby Limited on Wednesday.
Bristol Bears CEO Mark Tainton has explained why the club have taken these measures in an open letter to fans.
“As a club, we are facing some extremely tough financial challenges during these unprecedented times caused by the COVID-19 crisis," Tainton said.
“This fast-developing global situation affects all of us; our friends, family, jobs and financial security.
“Bristol Bears is no different. Without matchday revenue and central funding from Premiership Rugby, the club have had to take some very difficult decisions to ensure the future security of the Bears and the competition. Our industry has been impacted significantly by the economic downturn and we have been given no choice but to take action.
“Therefore, we regret to announce that players and staff will receive a reduction in salary during this unprecedented period without competitive rugby.
“From April 1st, players and all rugby staff will receive a reduction in their annual salary.
“Pat Lam [director of rugby] and I spoke to all the players and staff via video link on Friday to communicate this difficult message and answer any questions. The team recognise the pressures and concerns that our community is feeling.
“There are still uncertain times to come, but the most important thing is that we stick together as a collective and remain connected in our Bears culture that we have worked so tirelessly to build.
“Our commitment to training hard individually, preparing diligently and supporting community projects doesn’t change.
“When the time comes, whenever that may be, we will be ready to take on the challenges of Premiership Rugby once again.
“We are in regular contact with PRL and the authorities so that when it is absolutely safe to play, we can return to business as usual as swiftly as possible.
“The health and wellbeing of our staff, friends, families and the wider community is of utmost priority to us and we urge you all to stay safe and follow government guidelines.”
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