Since Monday March 16, almost all of the elite clubs in French rugby (the Top 14), stopped due to the coronavirus epidemic, have adopted the partial unemployment scheme in an attempt to reduce somewhat the financial consequences.
In the wake of the competition freeze, decided on Friday March 13 by the National Rugby League (LNR), the leaders of the different clubs have, by common agreement, decided to impose this measure on their players and employees.
"This does not allow us to save on the players' net salary, since we pay very exactly 84% of the net (70% of gross compensation), but we save loads. We started this procedure on Saturday ", explained the president of Union Bordeaux-Bègles, Laurent Marti, at the microphone of RMC.
The partial unemployment procedure allows employers to reduce their social security contributions and thus reduce their "expenses". It leads the State to cover the shortfall. But this can only be done within the limit of 4.5 Smic. For most rugby players, this should be the case, as the average monthly salary in the Top 14 is 20,000 euros.
According to the National Rugby League, if the French championship were not to resume, the shortfall (ticket office receipts, television and sponsorship rights, etc.) would amount to 100 million euros.
Quarter finals of European competitions postponed
The office of the League is to meet Tuesday to present, Wednesday, to the presidents of the thirty clubs of Top 14 and Pro D2 during a telephone meeting, the options possible at this stage for the championship.
While waiting to know what will happen to the Top 14, the quarter-finals of the European Cup and the European Challenge, scheduled for the weekend of April 3, 4 and 5, have been postponed, the organizers announced on Monday. .
"Due to growing public health concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic, it was decided today (Monday) during a conference call to postpone these eight games and suspend the season for European tournaments ", said a statement from the European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR).
Six French clubs are still involved in these competitions: Clermont, Racing 92 and Toulouse in the European Cup, Toulon, Castres and Bordeaux-Bègles in the European Challenge.
Finding a new place in a calendar that is already overcrowded in normal times does not look easy.
"The EPCR remains determined to try to find a solution, in consultation with the leagues and federations concerned, which will allow it to finish the season (…) at an appropriate period compatible with the preventive measures taken", added the proceeding.
