A new CBA will include bonuses for Wallabies wins and big moves for female players

NCA NewsWire
March 16, 2023 9:02AM


Bonuses for Wallabies’ series wins have been reinstated as part of a new rugby Collective bargaining agreement that also includes a raft of significant changes for female players.

As the AFL braces for a series of class actions launched by former players impacted by concussion, the new rugby CBA also includes an increased investment in a player’s career-ending insurance policy, an industry leading safety net.

With payments for players set to return to pre-Covid levels, important steps in the professionalisation of the women’s game have also been made with the new pay deal that will run until 2026.


A $2m investment and a new centralised contracting structure for up to 35 Wallaroos players will boast three tiers, with the potential to earn up to $52,000 for national and Super W appearances.

And in a major boost, a parenting and pregnancy guideline has been agreed in principle to give contracted Wallaroos players their full contract amount while on maternity leave.

“The new CBA has been agreed with a commitment to greater investment in players, programs, competitions and structures over the next 10 years and beyond,” Rugby Australia boss Andy Marinos said.

“We continue to make progress with the Women’s XVs, providing certainty around payments to players at Wallaroos and Super W level for the season ahead.

Rugby Australia chief executive Andy Marinos said the women’s game was a key focus. Tim Hunter. Credit: News Corp Australia
“Whilst this investment is an improvement on what we have been able to do in the past, this is just the first step in our commitment to continued investment to professionalise the women’s game in a sustainable and hopefully very successful way.

“Importantly, we must thank all the players for the sacrifices that have been made during the Covid crisis – we are proud of the professional playing group in Australia, and we look forward to a successful future together in rugby.”

Rugby Union Players Association chief executive Justin Harrison said the new deal “provides a platform from which the game can enter a new period of opportunity and excellence”.

https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/a-...ers-c-10057312