Player agent's stark warning: 'It's the biggest crisis since World War II'
A French-based agent has laid bare the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the sport in France.
Usually, the phones are hopping at this time of year with multiple deals to be done. In 2020? Nothing. It has all gone quite with no sign that business will pick up any time soon in a globally depressed climate where Rugby Australia have just unveiled swingeing cuts and USA Rugby have declared bankruptcy.
In an interview with French bi-weekly Midi Olympique, player agent Pascal Forni has claimed: “It’s the biggest crisis since World War II, no more no less!
“During the stock market crash of 1929, there were deaths but it had nothing to do with what will happen today and tomorrow due to the pandemic. We have to be aware of the ordeal we are all going through.
“Twenty-seven of our sports agents are currently unemployed. We must add to these about fifteen providers. That makes 40 people on the sidelines. Yes, we are impacted.
“What do you want me to tell you? We are in a closed championship, with closed clubs and we do not know where we are going: the clubs, the players and the agents. There is no more trade, no more transactions.
“What will the contract signed today be worth in a month or two if the club in question is in bankruptcy? Today, everything is called into question. We are all at a standstill.
“Everyone will have to make an effort… but stop pointing the finger at the agents as alleged wrongdoers. I feel like we brought the coronavirus, sometimes. But I remind you that we have 40 unemployed people at home. We suffer, like everyone.
“A third of the Top 14 contracts expire on June 30. The rest run for several years. But remember what I’m telling you: we are heading towards family and social dramas.
“The non-preserved player finds himself in a black s***. He cannot find any new club, he cannot find a house elsewhere... he is lost, does not know what to do. So rather than thinking about my commission, these are the players I think of, those who have nothing left.”
WATCH: Finn Russell chats to Jim Hamilton in the latest episode of The Lockdown, the new RugbyPass series
Latest Comments
I have heard it asked if RA is essentially one of the part owners and I suppose therefor should be on the other side of these two parties. If they purchased the rebels and guaranteed them, and are responsible enough they incur Rebels penalties, where is this line drawn? Seems rough to have to pay a penalty for something were your involvement sees you on the side of the conned party, the creditors. If the Rebels directors themselves have given the club their money, 6mil worth right, why aren’t they also listed as sitting with RA and the Tax office? And the legal threat was either way, new Rebels or defunct, I can’t see how RA assume the threat was less likely enough to warrant comment about it in this article. Surely RA ignore that and only worry about whether they can defend it or not, which they have reported as being comfortable with. So in effect wouldn’t it be more accurate to say there is no further legal threat (or worry) in denying the deal. Unless the directors have reneged on that. > Returns of a Japanese team or even Argentinean side, the Jaguares, were said to be on the cards, as were the ideas of standing up brand new teams in Hawaii or even Los Angeles – crazy ideas that seemingly forgot the time zone issues often cited as a turn-off for viewers when the competition contained teams from South Africa. Those timezones are great for SR and are what will probably be needed to unlock its future (cant see it remaining without _atleast _help from Aus), day games here are night games on the West Coast of america, were potential viewers triple, win win. With one of the best and easiest ways to unlock that being to play games or a host a team there. Less good the further across Aus you get though. Jaguares wouldn’t be the same Jaguares, but I still would think it’s better having them than keeping the Rebels. The other options aren’t really realistic 25’ options, no. From reading this authors last article I think if the new board can get the investment they seem to be confident in, you keeping them simply for the amount of money they’ll be investing in the game. Then ditch them later if they’re not good enough without such a high budget. Use them to get Jaguares reintergration stronger, with more key players on board, and have success drive success.
Go to commentsYeah, and ours is waaay bigger than yours. Just as you's get a semi…oh hold on that never happens
Go to comments