Rugby Players Ireland have hit out at the leaking of talks on pay-cuts for players between themselves and the IRFU, as negotiations between the two bodies continue.
A report in Friday's Irish Times revealed that the IRFU are seeking pay reductions of 20% for players and staff members of all four provincial teams.
The IRFU's director of communications, Stephen McNamara confirmed that a deal for non-playing staff to take a reduction had been agreed along with a move to a four-day week.
However there is little if no scope for players to reduce their workload and talks aimed at convincing them to take a 20% pay-cut continue.
McNamara confirmed on Friday: "The IRFU is in discussion with Rugby Players Ireland in relation to savings in the professional game. These arrangements will remain under constant review."
The players union are unhappy with what they see as the leaking of these talks and in a tersely worded statement said: "We are very disappointed to see recent media reports about proposed player salary cuts.
"We are in the very early phase of discussions with the IRFU to establish fully the current and long--term financial position of the Union and only then can the players consider any proposal.
"Rugby Players Ireland will not be commenting further at this time."
