World Cup rights crisis for players

SOME of rugby’s biggest names are growing increasingly concerned about signing the players’ agreements for this year’s World Cup, a leading players’ representative claimed yesterday.

International Rugby Players’ Association (IRPA) chairman Tony Dempsey said the issue was “snowballing” as players expressed their dismay at having to sign over their image rights without any offer of royalty payments from the sport’s ruling body the International Rugby Board (IRB).

The IRPA is also concerned about players losing their right to sue if they are injured in scrums and what they say is a lack of prize money for players.

“We’re just continuing on with our discussions with the ARU (Australian Rugby Union),” Dempsey said. “It’s a situation where players around the world are becoming increasingly galvanised in support of the whole problem.

“Everyone is concerned about the lack of prize money and players signing over their image and other areas, including players’ rights to sue if they become injured. I think it’s fair to say it’s snowballing.”

The players must sign the agreements by July 31 to confirm their participation in the 48-match tournament, which involves 20 nations in October and November in Australia.

IRB spokesman Chris Rea explained: “All the commercial dealings, rights and opportunities that exist around the World Cup are between the players and the unions under the participation agreements. The players are contracted with the individual unions and this is not an issue for the board or Rugby World Cup.

“There may, as a result of discussions (between players and unions), be amendments (to the agreements),” added Rea. “But all the unions have signed up on their (players’) behalf.

“The responsibility rests with the unions to deliver their players,” said Rea.