While the long form agreement has only just been signed, negotiations have been on-going for some time and the new agreement first came into play for the summer tour to North America earlier this year. At the request of the players, the WRU adopted an all-or-nothing win bonus for the entire squad for the games against the USA and Canada. However, the arrangement reverts back to the traditional tour fee and win bonus for the forthcoming outbound tours to Argentina in June 2006 and Australia in May 2007 and to match fees and win bonuses for the Autumn series during this period.
The payment structure for the RBS Six Nations, as with all other tournaments in which the national side plays, will continue to be based on results. Players who play in the Six Nations will receive a match fee plus an additional placement bonus at the end of the competition whilst other squad members are guaranteed a minimum payment for the tournament.
WRU Chief Executive Steve Lewis said, “Once more, we have taken a huge step forward in paving the way for two years of stability for the game in Wales and for our professional players, and this time we have also addressed their concerns regarding their off-the-field duties and interests.”
“The agreement shows the close level of collaboration that exists between the WRU and the professional players, represented by the WRPA, and I feel that this contract recognises the constant developments in the professional game.”
“We have been able to increase both match fees and bonuses from last season and we have in place at our own cost a player insurance scheme that will provide much clearer, and greater, cover and benefits for the players.”
The WRPA has negotiated a 50-50 split on royalties from a joint licensing and authentics programme and have also been given an annual contribution to their funding by the Union. The WRPA have also agreed to a player appearance programme around international games and for the benefit of the WRU’s commercial partners and have also granted use of their image rights for the promotion of merchandise around the autumn series and Six Nations.
WRPA Chief Executive Richard Harry said, “This comprehensive agreement covers all aspects of the relationship between the professional players and the WRU.”
“Particular credit should be given for the substantial insurance provisions now in place for the players, demonstrating that the WRU acknowledge the real risk of serious injury in the professional game and the adverse consequences that such injuries have on the players.”
