NZRU and NZRPA extend Collective Agreement

The New Zealand Rugby Players Association (NZRPA) and New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) have extended the terms of their current Collective Agreement for one year until the end of 2009. The current Collective Agreement was agreed in 2005 and ran from 2006 to 2008. Under the extension, the majority of the terms and conditions will remain the same. However a small number of new initiatives have been introduced covering areas such as increased player input into rugby decisions and a much greater focus on the non-rugby related development of players, particularly in relation to work and study. NZRU CEO Steve Tew said the extension was testament to the positive partnership which exists between the NZRU and players, and builds upon the progress made in the past three years. “We are pleased to have been able to reach an agreement with the players which will allow us to focus on the real challenges we face this year including finalising our SANZAR and broadcasting arrangements. It also recognises the financial situation that our game is facing, so it is pleasing that terms such as team assembly fees and the salary cap remain at current levels.” NZRPA CEO Rob Nichol said the extension agreement reflects the growing level of partnership being developed between the professional rugby players and the NZRU and while recognising the challenges ahead, and also looks ahead to the new opportunities which are being considered.
“We are particularly pleased with what we have been able to achieve in terms of improving the professional rugby environment which we believe will help significantly in creating career development opportunities for players. “These additions will help ensure that young kids coming into the game are not only encouraged but are required to undertake study and work to develop off the field, and that is a positive signal for players, for parents and for rugby organisations.” Partnership The increased level of partnership will enable the NZRPA to be more involved in key decision-making processes at both management and governance level including NZRPA representatives attending relevant parts of NZRU Board meetings, and participating in working groups and other New Zealand rugby-related forums. Player Development The parties have agreed to continue to focus on and further develop the Professional Development Programme which is intended to support, guide and assist players in their education, off-field career and personal development. The agreement includes new time frames and guidelines for when players can train and assemble for Provincial Union teams and Academies and developmental programmes which is intended to ensure players at these levels have the opportunity to undertake meaningful work and/or study. As an example, the guidelines provide that academy and development players should not have group scheduled commitments between the hours of 8.30 – 5.00 Monday to Friday unless the parties can be satisfied that a player’s work or study is not adversely affected. Similarly Air New Zealand Cup squads should not assemble during these hours prior to July 1 except in agreed circumstances. Limits have also been placed on the number of hours that these groups can be assembled during the week. Players in academies and development programmes and who are part of Air New Zealand Cup squads will be required to undertake some form of meaningful study and / or work as part of their contract. Revenue sharing and player payments The existing revenue sharing arrangement and player payment model remain unchanged with the exception of the Air New Zealand Cup salary cap which will not increase and remain at the same levels as 2008.