Coronavirus: Wasps, Gloucester and Worcester announce pay cuts

Players from Wasps, Worcester Warriors and Gloucester have taken a 25 per cent pay cut due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The Premiership season was suspended on Monday for five weeks due to COVID-19.

With a loss of revenue as a result of no games being played, Wasps have lowered wages by a quarter from April 1 until Premiership action resumes, though a number of lower paid staff will be excluded from the reductions.

“I spoke with [head coach] Lee Blackett and senior members of the playing squad last night, and we then communicated this message to the wider team and colleagues,” Wasps CEO Stephen Vaughan said in an open letter to fans, partners, staff and the community.

“I could not be more proud of their response, understanding and determination to help the club in such testing times. The same is true of the players’ efforts to support our wider community stay connected and keep talking, which I am sure you will be aware of.”

Worcester have lowered wages by the same margin, also effective from the start of next month. The cut will not apply to staff below a certain salary threshold, though.

“We have offered as much support as we can to any member of staff who may suffer particular hardship as a consequence,” the Warriors added in a statement on the club’s website.

Gloucester confirmed they have taken the move amid the global pandemic to help them through “this incredibly challenging time”.

Meanwhile, the Rugby Football Union on Friday confirmed the season is over for all levels below the Premiership.

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