According to BBC Sport, Great Britain Sevens rugby players saw their professional contracts reduced to part‑time status last summer, forcing the squad to seek additional employment and join alternative teams to sustain their careers. The move means players must balance full‑time jobs with training, potentially affecting performance and international competitiveness.
The shift in contracts has prompted players across major rugby hubs—including Mumbai, Mie and Madrid—to secure side jobs while continuing to play for club or regional sides. While BBC Sport does not provide specific figures on new salaries or employment types, the news underscores that athletes are now juggling work and sport to keep their passion alive. Players have expressed uncertainty about the long‑term impact on their training regimes and national selection prospects.
The reduction to part‑time status reflects broader budget constraints within British rugby, raising concerns about the viability of elite athletes who previously earned full wages from the national program.