New Employment Agreement for NZ
The formal signing of the agreement follows a comprehensive negotiation and ratification process by the NZR Board, provincial unions, Super Rugby franchises and the NZRPA.
The new agreement replaces the existing Collective Agreement and is deemed effective from January 1, 2016 until December 31, 2018.
NZR CEO Steve Tew said the agreement demonstrated a strong emphasis on investing in players' and the game's future, and highlighted an on-going commitment to work in partnership to ensure the growth and success of rugby in New Zealand.
"We're delighted to have concluded this important piece of work. We believe that our partnership with players continues to be a critical factor in the success of New Zealand Rugby at all levels of the game. And we recognise that that close relationship is part of our competitive advantage.
"In a highly competitive global market, we can't compete purely on money. For us, the difference has to be in the environment we offer and the strength of our support for players to have the lifestyle they want.
"This new deal further enhances that while the overall increased and expanded investment across a number of areas, means that our packages are increasingly competitive.
"This Agreement has been developed on the back of some very hard work. I personally want to thank the players, our provincial union partners and the collective negotiation team for their work and commitment to ensuring rugby can continue to inspire and unify New Zealand communities," Tew said.
NZRPA CEO Rob Nichol also welcomed the formal agreement noting that it serves as a cornerstone of the professional rugby environment in New Zealand.
"This Agreement provides an ongoing level of certainty around the competitions and the overall contracting model, while also resulting in significant additional investment in Player education, retention and welfare, and a fantastic new initiative in the incentivised Player Savings Scheme.
"As with previous Collectives, the Players are proud of the results the process and final agreement has produced for rugby in New Zealand but we know we still have on-going challenges and opportunities to address to ensure rugby's long term growth and success.
"We operate in a global sporting and entertainment market place that continues to evolve. The Players believe we can never take anything for granted and that we must continue to work hard, create the best environment possible and strive for success.
"We wish to acknowledge and thank New Zealand Rugby, the Super Rugby teams and Provinces. Balancing a global professional sport and the needs for the local community game, in a society with a seemingly never ending stream of choice for the entertainment dollar and sporting and cultural participation, is far from easy.
"We will now look forward to some exciting competitions, performances and success stories on the field and continuing to work with New Zealand Rugby to ensure the game's health off it," Nichol said.
Highlights of the new Collective Agreement:
• a revenue sharing model maintained with 36.56 percent of NZR player generated revenue, equating to US$191m (up from US$121m) over three years due to anticipated increased revenue from the Lions Series, being set aside to allow for an increased investment in player payments, education and welfare initiatives payment increases for all contracted players;
• increased contracting budgets for Super Rugby clubs and a significantly increased NZR allocation towards payment of 'top up' retainer payments;
• expansion of the existing Player Payment Pool funded Mitre 10 Cup Incentive Payment aimed at recognising those players who remain committed to this competition and NZR beyond the Super Rugby competition, and, in particular, for experienced players. This incentive payment will now also include experienced non-Super Rugby provincial players. the introduction of an incentivised Player Savings Scheme for Super Rugby and Sevens contracted players – this is in addition to the KiwiSaver scheme;
• the introduction of an illicit drug education and awareness programme, designed to support player health and well-being;
• an agreed framework around players involved in the Brisbane 10s and other offshore Super Rugby games;
• a compulsory induction programme requiring players to undergo a number of modules including respect and inclusiveness, player conduct, mental health and wellness, anti-doping, wagering and corruption and concussion management;
• increasing of the minimum retainers for Provincial Unions Contract and Development Contract Players and retention of the existing salary cap for Provincial Unions;
• Full compensation to Provincial Unions for unavailability of All Blacks;
• expansion of the player personal development programme; and,
• Increased funding for the NZRPA Benevolent and Welfare Fund aimed at assisting Players and their families through premature career ending injuries or illness and during times of hardship.
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