Professional New Zealand rugby players are set for a financial windfall over the next three years.
New Zealand Rugby and the Players Association have agreed a new three-year deal, which will see the total pool for player payments rise from $121 million to $176 million.
The money will be spread out from All Black level, all the way down to provincial and development level as well as sevens.
The maximum Super Rugby retainers will increase $5000 to $195,000, while the minimum retainers will also increase $5000 to $75,000.
Provincial Rugby's maximum retainer will remain $55,000 while the minimum retainer has increased significantly, up $18,000 to $21,000.
Meanwhile, the minimum retainer for women's sevens players is now higher than men's - $45,000 compared to $40,000.
The increase is due to NZR's new contracts with its major sponsors and broadcast rights, as well as the upcoming British and Irish Lions Tour in 2017.
As part of the agreement, new player conduct education programmes will be implemented following several high profile off-field incidents involving rugby players during the year.
A new illicit drug education programme has also been included.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT (The New Zealand Super Rugby franchises).