Ireland rugby stars on collision course with IRFU over pay cuts

Ireland's rugby stars are on a collision course with the IRFU over pay cuts.

Rugby Players Ireland has reacted strongly following a report that while players would receive their wage deferrals later in the year but are now facing a 20% pay cut.

The IRFU and RPI had worked together early in the lockdown to come up with the wage deferrals, which the IRFU implemented on a sliding scale between 10% and 50%. Big names such as Johnny Sexton and Ireland head coach Andy Farrell were among the hardest hit.

However the reported pay cut comes as the current wage deferral scheme is almost at an end - it winds up at the end of the month - and before further planned talks between the players and the Union.

And in a statement released this morning, RPI says it is "very disappointed" that the 20% figure has been publicised before the summit.

IRFU boss Philip Browne recently warned that, given the fact it is burning through its cash reserves, the Union would cut wages if necessary. He has predicted that between £10m and £20m will be lost this year.

"We are very disappointed to see recent media reports about proposed player salary cuts," the RPI statement read.

"We are in the very early phase of discussions with the IRFU to establish fully the current and long--term financial position of the Union and only then can the players consider any proposal".