Salary cuts at Northampton Saints Rugby Club

All staff at Northampton Saints have agreed to take a twelve month salary reduction, the Gallagher Premiership rugby club has announced.

The agreement, which also affects the playing squad, coaching and commercial staff, follows positive and constructive discussions where there has been a clear appreciation from all staff of the severe financial impact on the Club caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The news follows the Saints' announcement confirming nineteen of their playing staff had signed new extended contracts, including internationals Courtney Lawes and Lewis ludlam (England), Dan Biggar (Wales) and Rory Hutchinson (Scotland).

Everyone at the Club took a temporary 25% pay reduction from the 1st April, except for staff remunerated below a certain level. The new 12-month reductions will take effect from July 1st and will continue to protect those lower earners.

Chief Executive of Northampton Saints, Mark Darbon said: “We are incredibly grateful to all our employees for recognising the gravity of our situation and coming together to support the Club.

“We have a wonderful, close-knit environment at Saints, and I am incredibly proud of the excellent work our staff and players continue to produce during one of the most challenging times we have faced in our history.

“This was not a decision that was taken lightly, but a necessary temporary change given the need to continue to reduce our cost base and preserve the financial sustainability of the Club.”

Mr Darbon said the decision involved open collaboration with Saints' senior player group and the Rugby Players Association (RPA) representatives.