Sponsors’ influence: Second chances

For many years there has been a concern that industry, through the research grants offered to universities, unduly influences those institutions.

It seems that commercial influence may have tightened its grip on sport too. Ulster Rugby insists the decision to sack Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding was not driven by money but it is hard to imagine that Ulster Rugby, or any organisation like it, might feel absolutely free to bite a hand that feeds it.