Pay war between RUPA and Rugby Australia threatens to go public as CBA deadline looms
Players push for greater share of World Cup windfall as talks grow tetchy
The pay dispute between Australian professional rugby players and Rugby Australia is on the verge of going public, with the deadline for a new collective bargaining agreement expiring on Saturday. Negotiations have grown strained over the past months, with the Rugby Union Players' Association (RUPA) pushing for a significant pay rise and a share of the $100 million fee from co-hosting the men's World Cup next year. Rugby Australia maintains it has made a strong offer and is responsible for securing the long-term future of the sport.