With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting rugby unions and clubs worldwide, finances have been under intense stress. While contracted players, staff, employees, and all other personnel still need to be paid out on their salaries, the lack of games for the foreseeable future also means a lack of cash flow. 

Teams and unions are now in a compromised position of needing to pay said parties, but lacking the funds to adequately do so. The answer to the problem offers few easy solutions, but with everyone being affected by the circumstance, people will have to make sacrifices. 

In Wales, that sacrifice is being made by all players making more than 25,000 pounds a year. Following an agreement between the Welsh Professional Rugby Board (PRB) and the Welsh Rugby Players Association (WRPA), these players will all accept a 25% reduction in their salaries for the remainder of the season, which runs another three months. 

A Tough, But Necessary Decision

Amanda Blanc, chair of the PRB, explained to the BBC that this was an extremely difficult but necessary decision for all parties involved. 

"We explored a range of options, including deferment of pay, but have agreed on a reduction once all the relevant information and scenarios were considered.

"They have accepted that this is being done out of necessity, because we want to be in a position to immediately resume when current circumstances subside.

"We are extremely grateful to the WRPA and its members for their exemplary attitude during our recent conversations and are delighted to see our players continue to be an inspiration to us all.

"Not to act now would be negligent, given our shared goal is for Welsh rugby to remain intact when we emerge from this period."

Welsh Players Cooperative And Understanding

Chief executive of the WRPA, Barry Cawte, knows that this is a trying circumstance for the players, but is extremely proud of how they've dealt with the whole scenario.

"The WRPA exists to look after the welfare of players, but it is clear that extraordinary times call for measures such as those agreed this week.

"I can only say how proud I am of our members who from the beginning expressed a desire to do whatever was needed to help protect the game and their colleagues."

Cawte says that the aim is to preserve the game of rugby in Wales and to do what's best for the fellow members of the union. 

"The players are well aware that sacrifices are being made across the country and are keen to do their bit, so that rugby will be ready to go when this crisis passes.

"In a sign of solidarity for all our rugby colleagues, all WRPA staff will also be taking the same pay cut."