Pay up, say rugby fans

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