Scottish Rugby Union to ask players to take wage cut during coronavirus pandemic

Higher-earning players in Scotland will be asked to take wage cuts as the Scottish Rugby Union acts to mitigate the cost of the coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement released by chief executive Mark Dodson, he said he had volunteered to take a 30 per cent wage cut, while executive directors have offered to accept 25 per cent reductions.

Dodson declared there was "developing uncertainty" about whether Scotland's November Tests at Murrayfield would be able to go ahead, leaving the SRU facing a potential shortfall of more than £12m.

Dodson said: "Our income streams are being badly affected as match day receipts and other revenues and activity that might otherwise be taking place at Murrayfield are interrupted.

"Like many we hope the professional game season can be completed, but have no guarantee that even a truncated end to any of the competitions will happen

"As it now stands it would appear very unlikely the annual Summer Tours to the Southern Hemisphere will take place. This has a further impact on our income.

"There is also developing uncertainty on when Scottish Rugby might be able to put Autumn Test tickets on sale, and indeed if these games will go ahead as originally planned. We are due to play Argentina, Japan and New Zealand in November.

"No one knows with any certainty when any rugby can resume. We have seen many, many examples of our staff, clubs and players across the country supporting their local communities and demonstrating rugby's values in daily life.

"Rugby makes a positive contribution to society and it is this positivity and our whole sport working collectively that will give us the best opportunity to come through this crisis, safely, together."