ANDY COLQUHOUN, Cape Town | Monday 2.00pm.
SOUTH Africa’s provincial rugby players are set to get a minimum monthly wage of R5000 from next season although two provinces may be given an opt-out clause after pleading poverty.
New employers’ association SAREO (South African Rugby Employers’ Organisation) and the player’s trade union SARPA (South African Rugby Players’ Association) hope to finalise the deal on Thursday.
The new ‘standard player’s contract’ will also lay down regulations regarding insurance and pension safeguards for players as South Africa’s professionals come fully under the full protection of the labour laws for the first time.
However some provinces may be given an opt-out clause on the minimum wage.
South Western Districts and Border are fearful that a R5000 monthly minimum could add to their financial problems. They want to set a lower figure of R4000.
One option being considered is that poorer provinces can offer wages below the national minimum although players will be free to move for more lucrative contracts.
SAREO and SARPA have already worked out much of the detail of the contract although there are other sticking points.
Short term contract insurance and indemnities while players are on Super 12 duty are under debate as are medical aid terms.
Both parties are reporting back to their members and they will reconvene in Cape Town on Thursday.
Smaller unions such as Northern Free State already pay the R5000 minimum while the major provinces sign deals rewarding their top players by as much as eight times the minimum.
The minimum wage will have no impact on the game’s senior players but it will provide a vital safety net for the mass of Vodacom and Currie Cup players. — MWP