NZ Rugby Players Set For Large Pay Rise

All rugby players in New Zealand are set to share a large increase in player salary.

The New Zealand Herald understands that New Zealand Rugby and the New Zealand Rugby Players Association are close to finalising a new collective agreement, that will see pay scales increase dramatically as a result of a renewed broadcast deal believed to be worth close to $70 million a year.

Details of the previous broadcast agreement - between 2011 and 2015 - have never been revealed but it is estimated that the new deal could be a 60 per cent increase.

New Zealand's professional players will benefit directly from that as they are entitled to about 37 per cent of all the revenue they are deemed to directly generate.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said it'll help improve payment for provincial and Super Rugby players as well as more money for Sevens and women's rugby.

"The more good players we can keep here the better we're going to play at Super level, and the better we're going to play at All Blacks level, so it's great news."

Read the full story at NZ Herald