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Monday, 23 September, 2002, 13:42 GMT 14:42 UK
Hemisphere clash condemned
Australia lost 33-31 to South Africa in the Tri-Nations in Johannesburg in August
Australia face a gruelling autumn schedule
Australia's top players' representative claims the Australian Rugby Union is risking its stars' health by offering them money to play in the much-criticised inter-hemisphere match.

Tony Dempsey, the chief executive of the Australian Rugby Union Players' Association, says many players in the Wallaby squad want a proper off-season break before next year's World Cup.

The proposed northern v southern hemisphere clash at Twickenham on 30 November, would come after four internationals in back-to-back weekends for Australia against Argentina Ireland, England and Italy.


There's issues there about occupational health and safety
Australian players' representative Tony Dempsey

But while the ARU is supporting the match to raise money for developing rugby nations, Dempsey said it was contravening new guidelines issued by the International Rugby Board.

"I'd be surprised if players accepted the invitation," Dempsey said.

"But the ARU need to probably re-think whether they want to be seen to be inducing players to play in a game contrary to recommendations coming out of the IRB conference which says a player should be getting 12 weeks' (break).

"To induce players to play there would be an even shorter rest period.

"So there's issues there about occupational health and safety and whether or not those standards are in jeopardy with inducements to play in the game."

Less demands

English Premiership clubs have already said they will not release their players, while New Zealand coach John Mitchell urged his players not to take part.

But while the ARU cannot compel its players to participate in the game, it will offer a standard Test payment of AU$10,000 dollars (US$5,500) to take part.

An ARU spokesperson backed their stance and claimed Australia made less demands on its players than any other country.

"Our players have the best working conditions in the world and all we are asking is that players take part in a match to raise money for rugby playing countries less fortunate than our own," the spokesperson said.

 WATCH/LISTEN
 ON THIS STORY
BBC Sport's Alistair Hignell
"The row is sure to rumble on"
PRPA chief executive Damian Hopley
"It looks like there won't be one star name"
IRB spokesman Chris Rea
"We have consulted the players"
See also:

23 Sep 02 | International
20 Sep 02 | International
20 Aug 02 | International
05 Mar 02 | International
Links to more International stories are at the foot of the page.


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