The NRL has responded swiftly to reports appearing on social media which suggest it had rejected the Rugby League Players Association’s proposed pregnancy policy to be included in the collective bargaining agreement.
Real Talk Sport Media posted on Monday night that “players requested pay during pregnancy and post birth. The Policy would also support player parents with a child up to three years of age. The game also denied private health insurance for the 300 players and are refusing 12 month contracts.”
That would be a hammer blow for NRLW players who are still without a CBA and unable to sign contracts for the upcoming season which will increasing to 10 teams but still doesn’t have a start date.
Watch the new look NRL Pre-Season exclusive to Fox League available on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Women’s rights is one of the biggest issues in the stalled negotiations between the RLPA and the NRL, with the game’s bosses quick to hit back at the report in a statement released on Tuesday.
“The NRL would like to provide clarity in regard to incorrect and misleading statements made on social media concerning the NRLW Pregnancy and Parental Policy and Private Health Insurance,” the statement read.
“The NRL has an absolute focus on ensuring progressive and contemporary support mechanisms and playing conditions for NRLW players who are pregnant or are new parents.”
The NRL trumpeted an historic salary cap rise just before Christmas which would see NRLW clubs receive $884,000 each year – a 153 per cent rise from last year – but it didn’t include details on other policies.
Tuesday’s statement detailed a new pregnancy and parental leave policy which has been in the works since October, with the NRL, NRLW and RLPA in discussions for the past few months.
The new policy aims to provide parents with both paid and unpaid support while caring for their children up to the age of 24 months, NRL financial support of paid player parental cover per season, NRL financial support for replacement players for pregnancy replacement, contract security for pregnancy players and allowing players to move to a safe job.
“The RLPA also requested private health insurance for both men and women be funded through the salary cap and paid by players,” the statement continued.
“The NRL acknowledged this request, and provided a 10.5 per cent increase to the women’s salary cap to accommodate this request.
“The NRL and NRLW clubs have also been working to facilitate contract security and multi-year contracts to allow players longer-term security.
“The NRL has respected the sensitive nature of confidential discussions, however misleading and false information has been damaging to the process.”
