IRFU confirm pay deferrals of 10 to 50% starting next month

The IRFU have confirmed that all of their employees will have their wages reduced by 10% to 50% due to the financial pressure on Irish rugby caused by the Covid-19 crisis.

The pay cuts, which the IRFU said it hoped would end as soon as possible, will come into effect in April.

“We are entering uncharted waters as the Covid-19 crisis continues to unfold but we remain hopeful that something of this season can be retrieved later in summer,” said IRFU CEO Philip Browne.

“This is important as the whole game, amateur and professional, is financially dependent on the resumption of the professional tournaments and the revenues that they generate.

“With postponement of these tournaments the IRFU and the Provinces are facing some daunting financial challenges around loss of revenue and cash flow and we must cut our costs.”

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The move follows the indefinite suspension of the postponement of the Six Nations at Test level, the indefinite postponement of the PRO14 and Champions Cup at provincial level and, at club and underage level, the cancellation of the rest of the 2019-20 season.

The IRFU said it would aim to "return to full pay, and repay any deferrals, as soon as possible".

Rugby Players Ireland chief executive Simon Keogh said his organisation recognised "the need to work with the IRFU with respect to these payment deferrals in light of the current circumstances."

"All endeavours have been made to contact those affected on an individual basis," said McKeogh.

"Our members appreciate that such moves are necessary in order to protect the future of the game in this country.

"The health and safety of the public is the priority at this time. We will continue to work with the IRFU as this situation develops."

How Rugby has been impacted by the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19)