NZ Rugby receives $7.3 million under the NZ Government wage subsidy

Rugby in New Zealand has received a multi-million dollar payout under the New Zealand’s Government wage subsidy scheme.

Super Rugby teams, regional rugby unions, and New Zealand Rugby have claimed a combined total of about $7.3 million, with their applications made because of the hardship caused by the coronavirus restrictions.

The sport's governing body, New Zealand Rugby, has received about half of that, with $3,687,444, half of the money allocated to rugby organisations.

New Zealand Rugby claimed for 531 staff, receiving $6,933 per staff member.

This follows NZR staff taking a 20 percent pay cut at the start of April and they have been negotiating with the players' union about wage cuts, with a decision expected by the end of the week.

New Zealand Rugby Players Association boss Rob Nichol has confirmed that higher-paid players will have to shoulder the load to help New Zealand Rugby survive the financial implications of the COVID-19 pandemic.

TVNZ