You are in > manchester.com  > News > Welsh elite secure bumper pay rise

Rugby Union

Welsh elite secure bumper pay rise

17/07/2007

Wales' rugby union internationals have negotiated a new four-year pay deal with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) as they prepare for the World Cup in France.

The agreement covers the players' medical insurance as well as providing a structure of match fees and bonus payments to cover both September's showpiece and forthcoming Six Nations and individual Test matches.

Should the Dragons manage to replicate their 2005 Grand Slam success at any point over the contract, they would reportedly cash in to the tune of £60,000 each - around double what they made two years ago.

"We are delighted to have achieved such a breakthrough agreement," WRU chief executive Roger Lewis said.

"The agreement will allow us to reward success and enable the players to benefit from the incredible effort they put in for their nation here at the Millennium Stadium and for Wales as they travel around the globe."

The deal was hammered out through a series of meetings between the WRU and the Welsh Players' Association (WPA) with the start of the national side's warm-up Tests against England on August 4th looming as a possible deadline.

"Our discussions have also allowed us to consider the game in a wider context and I am looking forward to working with Roger Lewis and his team on creating the best possible environment for our players in Wales," said WPA chief executive Richard Harry.

© Adfero Ltd