RPA Chairman Mark Lambert Says They Will Not Rule Out Strike Action Over Player Pay-Cuts

Mark Lambert, Harlequins prop forward and chairman of the Rugby Players’ Association (“RPA”) in England has stated that strike action will not be ruled out as far as players’ salary reductions are concerned.    

Lambert highlighted a situation in which some players are being “strong-armed” into accepting significantly reduced contracts and that the union deemed this practice unacceptable and would not stand for it, mentioning strikes as a possible eventuality should it continue.

“We very much see it (a strike) in any walk of life as the last action, and something you would look to avoid for the benefit of all stakeholders, because it is an extreme move,” said Lambert.

“But it’s difficult for us to entirely rule out any options when we’re in the current situation where we’ve got members with existing, fixed-term contracts in some senses essentially being strong-armed into thinking they have no choice but to sign an inferior contract.”

Lambert said that he is aware of and appreciates the tenuous position that rugby clubs/franchises all over the world find themselves in at the moment as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic but stressed that it does not warrant “absolute disregard” of player welfare.

“Players at some clubs are now being served with ultimatums and being put under undue pressure to sign amended contracts through the manufactured deadline of June 18th.

“To be clear, this is a totally unacceptable way to operate. Players are the lifeblood of the game and should be treated with respect. Players should not engage with this approach.

“This latest situation could have been entirely avoided with a collaborative and transparent approach and we now find ourselves heading towards a significant legal dispute unless meaningful and genuine dialogue takes place urgently.”