IRB face players’ revolt over World Cup profits

THE International Rugby Board (IRB) could face a revolt by players over its refusal to share some of the profits from this year’s World Cup, a leading players’ representative has warned.

International Rugby Players Association (IRPA) chairman Tony Dempsey said players wanted the IRB to follow the lead of other major sports, including the soccer and cricket World Cups, by sharing their massive windfalls with the competitors.

“They (the IRB) are out of touch with modern sporting trends,” said Dempsey.