SARU agree deal with players' union

The South African Rugby Union (SARU) has attempted to prevent the exodus of players moving overseas by approving a new funding model to reward those who see out their careers in South Africa.

A host of Springboks have opted to ply their trade outside their homeland, with more lucrative contracts offered in divisions such as the Top 14.

SARU on Tuesday gave details of a new agreement approved by the Executive Council which will enable players to benefit from increased funding " from R25million (£1.1m) to R90m (£3.9m) per annum in addition to Springbok contracts and match fees.

The five-year agreement, which comes into effect from January 1, also ensures collective image rights of all South African professional rugby players can be used by their clubs.

"It has always been a challenge keeping our players in the country, made ever worse by the weakness of the rand," said SARU chief executive Jurie Roux

"This new deal that we have struck with the players' organisation is one part of the effort to retain the skills available to the game.

"It has meant a realignment of how we budget but we are convinced that it is a wise investment for the benefit of South African players and the game in this country."

Eugene Henning, managing director of the official professional rugby players' organisation MyPlayers, said: "The foundation for this deal was laid in 2009 when an agreement was reached to remunerate the national players for the use of their collective commercial rights,

This new agreement will also be extended to all professional players in South Africa while additional provision is made for the collective interests of the players."

He added: "This is a significant step towards ensuring that professional players are well looked after in an environment that is now much more secure allowing them to explore options which will prepare them for life after rugby."