Harlequins have become the sixth English Premiership club to impose a 25% pay cut to help stabilise their finances during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Unlike all other lower-tier rugby divisions in England that have been called off, the RFU has decided to only suspend the Premiership due to the coronavirus.

But the break in play is placing financial strain on Premiership clubs, with some now forced to take drastic measures to stay afloat. Wasps, the Worcester Warriors, Gloucester, Saracens and the Leicester Tigers have all previously announced that player wages will be reduced by 25% and Harlequins have now followed suit.

Harlequins chief executive Laurie Dalrymple said in a statement: ‘We have made the difficult decision to ask all our staff, players and coaches to support the club through a 25% reduction of salary. We will look after our lowest earners and those facing financial difficulty.

‘This move hasn’t been taken lightly, but in order to protect jobs, the future of Harlequins and the excellent and committed people that reside within. Even with this important contribution, we will need all of our stakeholders to come together to help secure the club’s future.

‘In the coming days the focus of our club will switch to supporting our local communities, doing our best to support those who need our help.’

Meanwhile, the Bristol Bears revealed they had asked staff to accept an undisclosed reduction in salary.

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Photo: Harlequins