IRFU attacks Ryan’s ‘cracked’ free-to-air plan

THE Irish Rugby Football Union has attacked plans by Communications Minister, Éamon Ryan which would require Six Nations and Heineken Cup matches involving Irish teams to be shown on free-to-air TV channels.

The IRFU yesterday warned the controversial proposals would threaten the future of Irish rugby as the loss of bargaining power over TV rights could cost the rugby authorities €12m a year.

IRFU chief executive Philip Browne predicted the plans, if confirmed, would lead to “a very quick spiral of decline” for Irish rugby after several years of major success at international and provincial level. He claimed such a decline would see Ireland become a second-tier rugby country and see “the end of the game’s mass appeal”.