The issue of bonuses for the All Blacks World Cup rugby team has clearly hit a nerve with Herald readers.
Yesterday we asked what readers thought the players should get for winning the World Cup - the $50,000 offered by the Rugby Union, or $120,000 demanded by the players.
The paper received
over 200 emails and faxes by 4pm, 67 per cent in favour of payment of more than $50,000 per player in a winning team. The proportion of readers in favour of no bonus at all, 15 per cent, came close to the number who advocated sticking with the $50,000 offered.
Many letters quoted the failure of the NZRU to secure World Cup games in New Zealand as a basis for an increased winning bonus, while others used the example of the Government's contribution to the America's Cup campaign.
Here's a selection of what readers had to say:
To receive an incentive offer of up to $50,000 on top of their contract if they win the World Cup is surely generous. There is a need for more funding to be spread through the grassroots area of the game, not within an elite group. We remain firm that $50,000 is very fair.
- Ray and June Reardon,
Mt Maunganui
Rugby at that level is a "war" and the players risk severe and major damage to their bodies. We believe the All Blacks should be paid $100,000 for winning the World Cup.
- Lois and Dick Kay
The NZRU should guarantee a minimum bonus of $50,000 for each of the players with an additional $50,000 each, subject to being able to extract a profit share from RWC organisers or combination of existing sponsors.
- Fred Cookson, Opotiki.
Definitely $120,000 if they win - balanced by a $50,000 penalty if they lose.
- Murray Hewitt
I would say $250,000 per player is more on the mark.
- Francis Milner
Is this greed a trait which is becoming common in our country?
- C. Jackson
Pay $10,000 to each member of the squad of 30 players, plus $1000 for every minute each one is on the field.
- David White
Pay them whatever the cost.
- Sue Jacobs
Come on NZRU - dig into the fund you have stashed away and find a few dollars for the guys who make us so proud.
- Ian Carter, Auckland
They are well paid as it is. Rugby is their job.
- E Bentley, Te Aroha
If we are not rewarding our country's main source of advertising appropriately, how can we expect them to be as proud to promote NZ?
- David Twist
I think they should get around $590,000 because they might be only spending a little time with their families.
- Margaret, Room 32, Viscount School
The Government should donate $1.5 million to make it a round $100,000 per player, they gave plenty to our yachties.
- Max Gibson
The bonus should be a) the chance to run around the stadium waving to supporters, b) a sense of satisfaction, c) a hug from Helen Clark, and d) $50,000.
- Brian Pittams
Other Responses
* Give them whatever they want, even taxpayer support if necessary.
* Let's back the boys!!
* They should take the money on offer.
* Show them the money, fat cats.
* A bonus should be awarded for a job well done after the event.
* I think they are already well paid.
* Pay them before it's too late.
* The NZRU board and the All Black sponsors should sit down with the old Team New Zealand directors and ask them if they regret not paying a bit of extra cash to get the best team.
* They should get nothing.
* Tuff game = top award.
* I think they should be happy with that [$50,000]. I don't think the Silver Ferns got that.
* $120,000 bonus, $20,000 fine if they don't win the cup.
* Tell the Rugby Union to stop penny pinching.
* Pay them $100,000 each for the win. The French can offer their players $390,000 because there is no chance they will win.
* For God's sake, just pay them.
* If the union gives more money that will mean less for the beginners.
* They actually have to win the World Cup to get the bonus, so everyone will be happy if the bonus spurs them to victory.
* Maybe if they don't win they should not be paid anything. That would be a better incentive.
* I feel $50,000 is more than appropriate. My concern is the part being played by player-managers and union leech suckers.
* If these greedy lads care more for the cash than the privilege of wearing the black jersey, let them stay home.
* Players deserve zero bonus. Blackmail and greed shouldn't be rewarded.
* If they want a big bonus for winning the World Cup, how about they return the same amount if they lose?
compiled by Phoebe Falconer
The issue of bonuses for the All Blacks World Cup rugby team has clearly hit a nerve with Herald readers.
Yesterday we asked what readers thought the players should get for winning the World Cup - the $50,000 offered by the Rugby Union, or $120,000 demanded by the players.
The paper received
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