New Zealand rugby's new player deal to see testing for recreational drug use

New Zealand Rugby will introduce random out-of-competition testing for recreational drugs from next season, for coaches and administrators as well as players.

The testing regime was agreed on Wednesday as part of a collective agreement between New Zealand Rugby  and the New Zealand Rugby Players Association (NZRPA). Players have previously been tested only on game days but the agreement will mean all players and others involved in New Zealand’s top competitions being subject to random testing.

Commenting on the plan, NZRPA Chief Executive, Rob Nichol, said no sanctions had been agreed, even for repeat offenders, because the purpose was to provide support and treatment.

Nichol stated “it’s not about catching and sanctioning.

“If someone is struggling in this particular area, either through a positive test or putting their hand up or other information that brings a problem to light, then it’s about support and rehabilitation.

“And provided individuals who are in that situation embrace that opportunity to get things sorted, they’ll be given a lot of support to sort it out.”

The deal will also see players benefitting from a pay rise, with the player payment pool by $70 million from $121 million to $191 million over the next three years, reflecting NZR’s determination to compete with lucrative offers from Europe where clubs are competing for All Black signatures.

As a result, All Blacks captain, Kieran Read, is likely to become the first player to earn more than $1 million per season in salary. The latest pay increases reflect NZR’s determination to compete with lucrative offers from Europe where clubs are competing for All Black signatures.

NZR Contracts Manager Chris Lendrum explained “we’re in a position where we can offer considerably more for those players than the equivalent point four or five years ago and that’s making life a lot easier for us at that level.

“But there are still challenges and one or two of those players may still go (overseas).”

Formal signing of the agreement follows a comprehensive negotiation and ratification process by the NZR Board, Provincials Unions, Super Rugby clubs and the NZRPA.

The new agreement replaces the existing collective agreement and is deemed effective from 1st January next year until 31st December 2018.

NZR Chief Executive Steve Tew said about the agreement “we’re delighted to have concluded this important piece of work. We believe that our partnership with players continues to be a critical factor in the success of New Zealand Rugby at all levels of the game. And we recognise that that close relationship is part of our competitive advantage.

“In a highly competitive global market, we can’t compete purely on money. For us, the difference has to be in the environment we offer and the strength of our support for players to have the lifestyle they want. This new deal further enhances that while the overall increased and expanded investment across a number of areas, means that our packages are increasingly competitive.”

Highlights of the the new collective agreement:

• A revenue sharing model maintained with 36.56% of NZR player generated revenue, equating to $191 million over three years due to anticipated increased revenue from the British and Irish Lions Series, being set aside to allow for an increased investment in player payments, education and welfare initiatives payment increases for all contracted players. However, $15 million of this amount is being held back for allocation in future years, due to the revenue proceeds from the once in 12 year Lions tour falling during this period;
• Increased contracting budgets for Super Rugby clubs and a significantly increased NZR allocation towards payment of ‘top up’ retainer payments;
• Expansion of the existing Player Payment Pool funded Mitre 10 Cup Incentive Payment aimed at recognising those players who remain committed to this competition and NZR beyond the Super Rugby competition, and, in particular, for experienced players. This incentive payment will now also include experienced non-Super Rugby provincial players. The introduction of an incentivised Player Savings Scheme for Investec Super Rugby and Sevens contracted players. This is in addition to the KiwiSaver scheme;
• The introduction of an illicit drug education and awareness programme, designed to support player health and well-being;
• An agreed framework around players involved in the Brisbane 10s and other offshore Super Rugby games;
• A compulsory induction programme requiring players to undergo a number of modules including respect and inclusiveness, player conduct, mental health and wellness, anti-doping, wagering and corruption and concussion management;
• Increasing of the minimum retainers for Provincial Unions Contract and Development Contract Players and retention of the existing salary cap for Provincial Unions;
• Full compensation to Provincial Unions for unavailability of All Blacks;
• Expansion of the player personal development programme; and,
• Increased funding for the NZRPA Benevolent and Welfare Fund aimed at assisting Players and their families through premature career ending injuries or illness and during times of hardship.

Images: The All Blacks take on Argentina during the 2016 Rugby Championship (top) and the All Blacks 7s in 2015 (below).

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