The Wallabies have been promised a cash bonus of Aus$137 000 ($121 000) per player if they win this year’s World Cup, the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) announced on Wednesday.
The ARU and the Rugby Union Players Association (RUPA) reached an agreement to give the players staggered payments depending on how far they go in the competition.
Each of the 30 members of the squad will be given Aus$10 000 if they make the semifinals. They will earn an extra Aus$42 250 if they win their semifinal and an additional Aus$84 750 if they win the final, taking the total to Aus$137 000.
”I think we have found the right formula for rewarding the Wallaby players who’ll represent us in the Rugby World Cup,” ARU general manager Pat Wilson said in a statement.
”It correctly acknowledges the players’ dedication and commitment.”
Australia won the World Cup in 1991 and 1999 and reached the final in 2003. They are currently ranked number two in the world behind New Zealand and drawn in the same group as Wales, Japan, Canada and Fiji.
The World Cup will be held mainly in France from September 7 to October 20. – Reuters