[mkdf_dropcaps type=”normal” color=”#f55549″ background_color=””]R[/mkdf_dropcaps]ugby Australia and the Rugby Union Players Association (RUPA) have agreed on a new interim pay deal through to September 30, 2020, ahead of the start of the Super Rugby AU competition tonight (Friday).

The deal ensures Australian Super Rugby players receive a flat 70% of their contracted remuneration, eligible match payments, and bonuses, until the end of September as Rugby Australia continues to work through plans to manage financial pressures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rugby Australia chief executive, Rob Clarke, said the agreement will be re-negotiated before any international test match program beyond September 30, 2020.

“Australians all around the country are currently facing an incredibly difficult economic environment and rugby is certainly no different,” Clarke said.

“The professional players have acknowledged the important role they play in ensuring the future health of rugby in Australia and I thank them for their cooperation throughout this negotiation, to ensure the competition starts this coming Friday night.

“Vodafone Super Rugby AU is just days away from kick-off and now is the time to celebrate the fantastic athletes we have here in this country.

“The competition will be fast and free-flowing and I know how keen the players are to put on a show.

“We’ve already seen the return of the grassroots game in the Northern Territory and South Australia over the last weekend and we’re working very hard to ensure the community game returns in every state and territory in the coming weeks and look forward to supporting the member unions in facilitating that,” he said.

The return of Super Rugby competition in Australia with Super Rugby AU will mark the second Rugby competition in the world to return, with the five Australian teams set to compete in their very own home and away competition broadcast on FOX Sports and Kayo Sports each Friday and Saturday night.