Stormers sidestep payment saga

The Stormers have moved quickly to resolve issues regarding the payment of their players, who have reportedly raised concerns over their remuneration in comparison to other franchises.

Weekend media reports suggested that Stormers players are unhappy because their match fees and win bonuses are less than players at other unions currently receive.

According to the collective bargaining agreement between the franchises and SARPA (South African Rugby Players Association), players are entitled to up to R3,000 per match and a R3,000 win bonus per match, both of which are paid to all 22 members of the matchday squad and to the entire squad when the team is on tour.

Apparently the Stormers players currently only receive R2,000 for their match fees and the same for win bonuses, which resulted in a meeting on Monday attended by senior Western Province management, SARPA, senior players and coaching staff.

The meeting resolved that the remuneration structures do differ amongst the franchises, with the figure of R 3000 being a ceiling that no side can breach, and according to a press release “the Stormers’ remuneration was clarified and the matter put to bed” which seems to indicate that the players’ demands were met.

Captain Jean de Villiers commented: “This is not an issue amongst the Stormers and WP players.

“The player body is a settled and happy unit,” he added. “Our focus remains solely on the upcoming Super Rugby fixtures and our campaign this season.”

The Cape side have just returned from a successful overseas tour which saw them lose just one match, which may have something to do with the timing of the payment issue.

A similar incident occurred in 1999 when the Stormers players threatened to go on strike the day before their home semifinal against the Highlanders, and a major crisis was only averted at the last minute when businessman Raymond Ackermann bailed them out.

However, the men from Cape Town failed to fire the next day and the Highlanders recorded a 33-18 win – knocking the Stormers out on their home turf.