Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dragons have taken the decision to furlough a large proportion of employees, with pay cuts in line with the Professional Rugby Board (PRB) salary reduction agreement with Welsh rugby players.
Rodney Parade has been closed for all normal operations in accordance with the government’s advice during the nationwide lockdown. The Club will continue to operate with a skeleton staff during this lockdown period to support critical functions, along with supporting the NHS operation for coronavirus testing of front line NHS workers at the venue.
The 2019/20 season has rightly paused during these unprecedented times as everyone’s focus is on the health of the public at large. Whilst it is the intention of the league and clubs is to return to playing, the financial impact on all clubs in the competition is both immediate and significant, which presents an unique challenge in the history of professional sport and for business. Like other sports teams Dragons had a huge reduction in revenue, but still must support a similar cost base to normal.
Therefore the tough decision to ask staff and players alike to support the Club by agreeing a 25% reduction of salary, in order to protect jobs has been taken. The reduction in pay will not apply to lower-earning members of staff or players.
The commitment from the PRB for the five professional entities in Wales is to come out of this Covid-19 crisis, stable and able to grow. With the agreement of Welsh rugby players this collective decision enables the teams to have the best possible chance of doing that and the agreement of players and staff to this action is appreciated.
The Club’s Ticket Office and Club Shop (including online sales) will not be in operation until further notice, and with reduced staff available to answer telephones, email is the recommended form of communication. Members and ticket buyers can get in contact with the Dragons at ticketing@dragonsrugby.wales. Conference and events bookings or queries will not be taken during this time, however, commercial partners are able to contact the club at commercial@dragonsrugby.wales
For any urgent enquiries, please email info@dragonsrugby.wales
the agreement of players and staff to this action is appreciated
