Australian Rugby Admits Levy Helps Get Game Back On Sound Financial Footing

Australian Rugby Union CEO Bill Pulver has admitted that a A$200 ($176) levy "imposed on every senior and junior rugby team in the country amounts to an appeal to the Australian rugby community to help get the game back on a sound financial footing," according to Wayne Smith of THE AUSTRALIAN. Pulver described the levy, to take effect this season, as "a tough initiative" and one he wished he was not forced to introduce. Pulver, who "has spent much of his 12 months in office desperately trying to steer Australian rugby away from the rocks," said, "But it is all part of getting the financial model back in shape. This is us basically asking the Australian rugby community to kick in a small fee per player to help with funding" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 1/31).