Uncertain times: 'Players aren't sure whether to come home and go up there or stay or what to do'
The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the state of rugby around the world has left many New Zealand rugby players with a sense of uncertainty over their immediate futures, with some who play overseas not being able to return home.
The coronavirus outbreak, along with the mandatory 14 days of isolation imposed by the New Zealand government over the weekend, has forced competitions like Super Rugby to suspend matches for the foreseeable future.
Meanwhile, competitions overseas have also been forced into similar measures, with many countries in Europe being some of the worst-affected in the world.
NZ Rugby Players Association (NZRPA) boss Rob Nichol said some Kiwi players have been forced to stay overseas and have not been able to return home because of the pandemic.
“Players aren’t sure whether to come home and go up there or stay or what to do,” Nichol said in an interview with Radio Sport’s D’Arcy Waldegrave.
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“When you talk about players who are up in France, or up in the UK, 48 hours ago a number of the players understood the French competition was obviously on hold, but 48 hours later, they’re effectively in a lock down/curfew situation for the next 40 days. And that happened really quickly. And so they’re all having to adjust to that.
“We had a number of players from Spain contact us and some of them have managed to get on flights home around the 20th of March but a number of them are going to have to stay and ride it out.
“So players around the world, like a lot of people from around the world, are just trying to deal with the pandemic the best way they can.”
Nichol confirmed to the Herald that about 420 players registered with the NZRPA are still overseas.
The players are also bracing for the potential commercial impact of the coronavirus pandemic and how it could affect them.
While the suspension and possible cancellation of competitions like Super Rugby won’t affect the salaries of players in New Zealand, who don’t receive per-match payments or bonuses, Nichol admits that there will be an economic impact on rugby and its players.
“We are really really conscious that this current situation is going to have a commercial impact on the game and we absolutely understand that,” Nichol told the Herald. “We don’t know what that is yet necessarily. And it is a time of uncertainty.
“We have a collective agreement with New Zealand Rugby plus the provincial union that sets out parameters under which we combine our efforts and generate money for the professional game and how we share those funds and how they’re applied to paying players. So at the moment that doesn’t necessarily change.
The date that seems to be the line in the sand for season 2019/20 https://t.co/dA7RCYMjYn
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) March 17, 2020
“The players’ contracts … will be status quo at the moment, but that said, we know that this pandemic is going to have a commercial impact on the game. We just don’t quite know what the extent on that is.”
For now, the players’ association is working closely with NZ Rugby and its stakeholders, and are offering support to players affected by the pandemic.
“The players are people first and foremost and they care about their fellow people, their family and friends,” Nichol said. “That’s where most people’s thoughts are with, both those that are with them in New Zealand and those that are overseas. A lot of the players have friends that are overseas in UK, Europe, Japan and America for example.
“First and foremost our thoughts are with people. Secondly, everyone is focused on trying to play the role we’re supposed to play in terms of what the government strategy is in dealing with this pandemic. They want to be responsible and do the right thing and follow the guidelines just like everyone else.
“And likewise, they want to make sure we’re around the table when we do what we have to for our industry and our requirements and our colleagues and other stakeholders in the sport.
“That’s kind of where things are at. It’s uncertain times; it’s not easy for anyone. But the players we have always maintained that through the good times and through the bad times, the way we work through things are together.”
This article first appeared on nzherald.co.nz and is republished with permission.
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Comments on RugbyPass
Interesting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
12 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
1 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
1 Go to commentsObscene that SA haven’t been knocking
1 Go to commentsChances of Blackadder being injured seem too high to give him serious consideration. ABs loosie combination finally looked good with 2 committed to tackling and clearing rucks in the centre and Ardie roaming. Hoskins/Ardie together would force one of them into where they don’t excel and don’t get to use their talent, or require a change in tactics. If we continue to evolve last years systems I would take Papali’i and Finau at 6 and 7 (conceding that Blackadder will be injured) and Ardie at 8.
15 Go to commentsArdie’s preferred position 7? Where do they get these writers from? I've no idea where he's playing in Japan, but the previous two seasons he wore the 7 jersey exactly twice.
17 Go to commentsNot good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
12 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
12 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
15 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
12 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to comments