NSW Rugby Union has shed 27 per cent of its workforce and implemented a hiring freeze, with the COVD-19 pandemic forcing the organisation into survival mode.
Seventy per cent of the NSWRU’s workforce has been stood down since 1 April.
From July 1 the vast majority of NSWRU’s remaining employees will return to work at a reduced capacity.
With funding grants from Rugby Australia reduced and other revenue sources, such as grants and sponsorships, significantly impacted, NSWRU will cut 15 full time contract and casual roles with all the organisation’s development officers made redundant.
Positions within senior management, high performance and community rugby will be impacted while a pause on any non-essential hirings has been implemented.
NSWRU CEO Paul Doorn, who has already had his pay slashed by 30 per cent, will take a further 10 per cent cut.
The measures aimed at protecting the long-term financial viability of rugby in NSW, including savings from staff, players and operating expenses, will reduce their cost base over the next twelve months by $7 million.
NSW Waratahs, who commence their Super Rugby AU program against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane on Friday, will operate with a reduced squad for the revamped competition.
They are not replacing Kurtley Beale, Rory O’Connor and Siosifa Lisala, who have all left since the original Super Rugby campaign was suspended in March.
The Waratahs coaching staff has not been cut but they will operate with reduced support personnel in sports science and sports medicine areas.
“While we were quick to put in measures to reduce our overheads as the game came to a standstill, further reductions in staffing costs, both full time and contract, are required to protect the organisation’s future,” Doorn said..
“NSW Rugby came into the COVID-19 pandemic in a solid financial position.
“But with Super Rugby suspended, a loss in broadcast, sponsorship, ticketing and other revenue sources has seen reduced funding available from Rugby Australia as well as NSW Waratahs revenue, along with loss of revenue coming into the community game.”
