By RNZ Sport

A greater investment in health and wellbeing and rewards for long service are among the changes to the new collective agreement between professional players and New Zealand Rugby.

The New Zealand Rugby Players Association (RPA) and New Zealand Rugby (NZR) have settled on a new three-year agreement for professional rugby in Aotearoa.

The agreement covers January 1 of this year through until December 31, 2028.

It includes the expansion of the medical, life and trauma insurance cover to include Super Rugby Aupiki players, while players will continue to receive 36.56% of player-generated revenue over the term.

With offshore movement still a major drain on the Kiwi talent pool, the agreement will see increased annual investment for player retention, personal development, education, financial planning and player health and safety.

There is also the allocation of the player payment pool to ensure all professional players receive additional player payments and benefits.

Women will have greater incentive to stay in the country, with a new Super Rugby Aupiki contracting model seeing hub-based players paid $25,000, with campaign-only players getting $20,000.

Longevity will also be rewarded, with additional payments based on length of service for sevens, in Super Rugby Pacific and for NPC players.

To harness future talent, a new scholarship fund will be established, co-designed by NZR, with the parties providing up to $500,000 in 2026 and $1 million per year in 2027 and 2028.

RPA chief executive Rob Nichol said the new partnership agreement was an influential turning point.

“This partnership is a powerful and progressive agreement and delivers significant investment in the personal development and education, retention and long-term support of our professional players. It will position us well in a constantly evolving and competitive landscape.”

NZR interim chief executive Steve Lancaster said professional players were a huge factor in the success of the business and the game at every level.

“It’s critical that we are aligned with the RPA and act together in the best interests of our game and its stakeholders, and this new partnership reflects that commitment. It’s particularly pleasing to increase the investment in the Black Ferns, Black Ferns Sevens and Super Rugby Aupiki, and to commit to a greater connection between our professional players and the wider rugby community.”

– RNZ