London (AFP)
The union of professional rugby players in England on Wednesday warned of a possible "significant legal dispute" if the cuts in wages introduced by the first division clubs to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic were to be repeated.
"Most players have already accepted a 25% pay cut in March and April because of the unprecedented hardship caused by (the pandemic) of Covid-19," said Mark Lambert, president of Rugby Players's, in a statement. Association (RPA).
"The Premiership (D1) is looking to permanently reduce player wages by 25%. This was unanimously rejected by the players' council," added Lambert.
"This situation could have been avoided with a transparent and collaborative approach but we are faced with a significant legal dispute, unless we engage in serious dialogue," he said.
He considered "absolutely intolerable" that some players are "faced with ultimatums" to accept lower wages in their contracts.
Contacted by AFP, a spokesperson for the Premiership said he had nothing to respond to the RPA press release.
© 2020 AFP