World Cup pay announced
Sportal.com.au
May 2, 2003

The organisers of the World Cup have bowed to pressure and offered financial rewards for teams at this year's World Cup.

Earlier this week, the International Rugby Players' Association (IRPA) announced that a number of players were willing not to sign participation contracts to play at the tournament unless prizemoney was offered.

Rather than offer prizemoney, the IRB will award a total of $11 million in participation fees, with every team receiving at least $420,000. Quarter-finalists at the World Cup will receive $700,000 while semi-finalists will get $850,000 each.

The managers of the 20 teams had a two-day conference this week to discuss the tournament, which starts in Australia in September.

Other decisions made were to increase in drug testing and for the Telstra Dome's roof to be closed for all matches it hosts.

A bonus points system, identical to the one used in the Super 12, will also be used. Teams will receive four points for a win, two for a draw and none for a loss. A bonus point can be earned for scoring four or more tries in a single match or for losing by seven or less points.

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