Gallagher Premiership chief executive Darren Childs has praised the action of clubs like Bristol Bears for cutting their salaries by 25 percent to ensure their futures.
Bristol Live exclusively broke the news this morning that Bristol Bears players, coaches and support staff are set to undergo a reduction in wages while the Gallagher Premiership is shut down to prevent the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19.
The shutdown is currently set to be until April 24 but is likely to be considerably longer as there are no signs of government restricts on mass gatherings being lifted.
In a statement from Premiership Rugby, Childs said: “The effects of coronavirus have created an extraordinary and unprecedented crisis for business as a whole around the world, not least for professional sports.
“What has become clear since last week is that it is only with a kind, collaborative and professional approach, we can come together and – when this crisis is over and it is safe for us to resume play – become collectively stronger.
“The health of our fans, players and staff is our first priority, so at Premiership Rugby we are working around-the-clock with our partners and the authorities on contingency plans to restart as soon as it’s safe to do so. That is what our fans want, but it will also be the biggest contribution that we can make to ensure the long-term health of all of the clubs in the league.
“Meanwhile, some of the clubs in the Premiership have taken extremely difficult decisions around salaries to ensure they are ready to weather this hiatus. I respect those clubs who have made those tough calls, and we too at Premiership Rugby have also made difficult decisions to ensure we can collectively emerge stronger.
“Although we have had these conversations in private, I wanted to publicly, and wholeheartedly, support our clubs as they take these difficult decisions in their respective businesses to ensure their own futures.
“Together we will get through this crisis, and professional sport will emerge stronger.”
So far Wasps, Worcester Warriors and Gloucester have confirmed they will introduce 25 percent cuts, with Bristol Bears and Bath Rugby expected to confirm they will do the same in the coming days.
