Discussions between the IRFU and Rugby Players Ireland (RPI) over a potential 20 per cent pay-cut will enter a third week after a resolution could not be reached today. A statement read:"The IRFU and Rugby Players Ireland jointly confirm that representatives of the two organisations met again on Wednesday 24th June to discuss the financial implications of Covid 19 on the IRFU and the player group. RPI were left "very disappointed" when the IRFU told a newspaper of their intention to cut player wages, before any formal talks had begun. However, RPI were left fuming by the IRFU's decision to break ranks late on a Friday afternoon, without having consulted the players' body. Ireland and Ulster winger Jacob Stockdale has already admitted that he would rather take a pay-cut than see fellow players left without a contract.

Source: Irish Independent June 24, 2020 12:33 UTC