IRFU should end freeloading and put the west in the driving seat
My main concern is to do with the blunt cost-cutting measures proposed by the IRFU. These give us an insight into the union's attitude to the development of the game.
On the one hand, it shows a blatant disregard for the progress which rugby has made in the west over the last ten to 15 years the most progressive region by far.
On the other hand, it indicates the shortsightedness of the IRFU in terms of the expansion of rugby in the country as a whole.
In Irish rugby we have four teams competing at European level three in the cup and Connaught in the conference. Players who may not be ready for 'cup' teams, but need to develop at the top level, can get that exposure with Connaught the 'development' squad.
The step up from conference to cup level is not as dramatic as it would undoubtedly be from AIL club rugby to cup level.
It is very important that this development squad is maintained.
However, recognising the economics of running a professional game and, in view of the current parlous state of the union's finances, I understand that there is a pressing need to reduce the union's overheads.
Costs could be trimmed significantly without great loss to the development of the game. For example, for every international game, 22 committee members, their partners, and all ex-presidents and their partners are invited to travel free of charge.
They are also provided, free of charge, with two to three nights accommodation together with match tickets and all food and drink. On one occasion an entourage of 75 left these shores for an international match the equivalent of five rugby teams.
The 'A' internationals are almost obsolete and serve no purpose. There are players in the cup teams on professional contracts who may never play for their province, even if many of the first team players are injured.
A good example of this was when Dion O'Cunnigean was parachuted in to play for Munster a couple of seasons ago in a European cup match, even though Munster had a fit, contracted player at their disposal to take the place of the injured player. In effect, a player being paid to do nothing.
One hundred and twenty professional players are spread over four teams, i.e, 30 on each squad.
This is completely unnecessary and most don't get to play, top-level rugby. Reduce the teams by one and the players by 30 and the same problem exists in terms of exposure.
Reduce the squad numbers and leave the four teams in place and all players at some stage in any given year get the exposure needed to prepare them for international rugby.
There are many reasons to stop this folly. When every other sport is looking to expand, the IRFU is looking to contract. 'To contract or not to contract... that is the question'.
Luke Khare Daly,
Cistercian College,
Roscrea,
Co. Tipperary.
