New Zealand Sevens salaries are set to double within the next year in the build up to the next Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
High Performance Sport New Zealand this week handed the New Zealand Rugby Union $6.4 million over the next four years.
It is understood some of that funding will be specifically used to boost player wages.
At present, annual sevens base salaries range from $25,000 to $45,000, plus $2000 for each tournament appearance.
Wages will rise to between $70,000 to $120,000 per year, dependent on status and experience, to compensate what players were being paid by the provincial unions.
By 2016, sevens salaries could reach $150,000 in New Zealand.
Story by: Dhanjay Deo
Source: stuff.co.nz