All Blacks get 50 per cent pay freeze

All Blacks in action against Wales in a past match. [AFP]

The All Blacks accepted a 50 per cent pay freeze yesterday as New Zealand's players' association said it was preparing for the nightmare scenario of no more professional rugby this year.

After the coronavirus pandemic shut down global sport, New Zealand Rugby and the players' association agreed to put on hold US$15 million, or 50 percent of the year's remaining forecast player spend.