Former Black Fern Emma Jensen says a pay increase for players would mean they could focus on the game more, rather than paying the bills.
Emma Jensen of Auckland leads the team out on her 100th NPC appearance. Photo: Photosport
The World Champion New Zealand's women's rugby team could be in for a pay rise after New Zealand Rugby confirmed they'll enter discussions.
Jensen played in three World Cup winning teams and said her employer, the Auckland Rugby Union, was good about the time she needed to play and practice, but others weren't as lucky.
"Some people in the past have had to take a pay cut to actually play for the Black Ferns.
"Even if it would come to the same amount as what they would get paid in their normal jobs, so that they wouldn't be losing money when they play for the team.
"To not have to worry about that would be a huge huge bonus for the girls."
Jensen said the move would also help with the team's performance and would be a step towards gender equality in the sport.
The Black Ferns celebrate their World Cup win over defending champions England on Sunday - the fifth time they've won the title. Photo: Photosport
NZR agreed on "negotiation protocol" on pay
The pay disparity between the All Blacks and Black Ferns players was highlighted in August when the women's team won the World Cup in Dublin, claiming their fifth title with a comeback victory over England.
It came up again in September at a press conference held by NZR when it unveiled the findings from its nine-month Respect and Responsibility Review.
One of the findings was that opportunities for women in the sport were not as readily available as they should be.
NZR pledged to address the issue and general manager of rugby, Neil Sorensen, said it has now agreed on a "negotiation protocol" with the New Zealand Rugby Players Association (NZRPA), which will manage how and when discussions take place.
"This is an exciting time for us, and for women's rugby, as we discuss enhancements to the environment for the elite women's 15s programme," he said.
NZRPA CEO Rob Nichol said the women's 15s programme has evolved over the years and the Black Ferns performance this year provided a wonderful platform for its discussions with NZR.
Neither party will be commenting further until the conclusion of negotiations.
- RNZ
