Canadian sevens squad, at odds with Rugby Canada, applies for union certification
Canada’s top rugby sevens players have applied for union certification, turning up their dispute with Rugby Canada another notch.
The B.C. Labour Relations Board has scheduled a meeting for Friday on the players’ request to join the United Steelworkers of America.
Thirteen members of the Canadian sevens squad have boycotted training sessions in Langford, B.C., refusing to sign Rugby Canada’s contract offer.
In a bid to maximize its resources, Rugby Canada has opted for one centralized player pool rather than have the 15s and sevens teams practise separately. The sport’s governing body is also looking to spread its financial resources, with some sevens players taking a cut so others can have their funding improved.