Shaun Wane takes "significant" pay cut as RFL and Super League reduce costs

The ex-Wigan boss joined RFL executives in agreeing to a reduction in wages in wide-spread cost-saving measures, a spokesman confirmed.

Around half of the staff at the game's governing body were also placed on furlough - temporary leave - and some of those who remain in place do so because they are effectively already paid by the government, through Sport England.

Super League has taken similar measures, with chief executive Robert Elstone taking a 40 per cent pay cut and five other men on the board agreeing 30 per cent cuts.

Only two other members of staff continue to work full-time, with the rest of Super League employees also on furlough.

It's thought most clubs, including Wigan, have taken advantage of the scheme which means 80 per cent of employees' salaries - up to £2,500 a month - are covered by the government.

All employers have the option of 'topping up' salaries from their own funds.

Wane, who coached Wigan to three Grand Final triumphs and World Club Challenge glory, was appointed coach of England earlier this year.

His first assignment was to guide the nation into the Ashes series this autumn though that increasingly looks under threat, given the NRL and Super League both remain on hold.

Wane yesterday urged people to follow the government advice during the national lockdown.

"People are leaving us before their time is up, and it's wrong," he said, during a video on the RFL's website.

"Make sure you have a focus to your day - plan your day, make improvements, get better - and this will be over.

"We need to make sure we come through this as better people. So let's make sure we do the right thing, look after everyone, look after the NHS and stay in."

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