Wallaroos captain demands professional standards in pay fight with Rugby
Wallaroos captain Siokapesi Palu called out Rugby Australia. The organization refused to share contracts and disputed health insurance protections.
Wallaroos captain Siokapesi Palu escalated the pay dispute with Rugby Australia on Friday. Palu accused the organization of refusing to negotiate contracts as a group.
Rugby Australia also would not share a standard contract with the Rugby Union Players' Association. Palu said players want professional standards, not special treatment.
A key issue is health insurance. Currently, Wallaroos cover their own medical costs.
They face out-of-pocket fees and surgery bills before getting repaid. RA chief executive Phil Waugh suggested the players' union could use about $5 million it has saved up to fund insurance themselves.
The women's program becomes full-time in January under new head coach Sione Fukofuka. RUPA and RA remain unable to reach agreement.
They may meet in the NSW Supreme Court.
- Siokapesi Palu
- Captain
- January
- Program start date
- Sione Fukofuka
- New head coach
- $5 million
- Suggested insurance fund
Why it mattersHow this dispute is resolved will set the standard. It will show whether professional women athletes get proper workplace protections.
