IRFU chief confident of Rainbow’s gold
Representatives have announced initial agreement on the establishment of the new competition which they hope to get up and running by next season or, failing that, by the 2006/7 season.
The plans are said to be “conditional upon certain criteria being met” and it is intended that the competition will initially be played for a minimum of five seasons.
IRFU chief executive Philip Browne last night gave the proposal the thumbs-up, saying it would give added value to the game in the northern hemisphere, as well as the public.
“This gives us the opportunity to do a number of things which will help the development of the professional game. My understanding is the Italians want to rationalise the game in their country by effectively copying what Wales did a few years back and completely restructure the existing club framework,” he said.
The IRFU chief added that the new competition would allow for the development of a full professional season and he also felt the inclusion of nine top South African provincial sides would add an international dimension to it.
It is proposed that the Rainbow Cup will encompass a 24-team, seven-week contest to be played in the September/October window with teams from Ireland (4), Wales (4), Scotland (3), Italy (4) and the nine top provincial teams from South Africa, which will include Super 12 and Currie Cup outfits.
According to Celtic League spokesman David Jordan, the Rainbow Cup will be the first structured professional club/provincial competition between northern and southern hemisphere, but there is a lot of work to be done between now and the start of the coming season in what is a very tight time-scale.
“Certainly the desire is there to get it up and running as quickly as possible,” Jordan said. “But it is quite difficult to do, given all the structural and commercial criteria that have to be met. It is a demanding target, but very achievable.
“We are seeing the start of a restructuring process in both Italy and South Africa and it is good that we have been able to agree with them a format which will help them and also reinvigorate a Celtic League tournament which has had its problems,” Jordan said.
He added it was essential the new competition achieve certain commercial targets, but he said the organisers had several “solid inquiries” already from potential sponsors and commercial partners.
“One of the key things about professional rugby is that the commercial side has to be right, but we are confident it will be. South Africa is a huge rugby market and with a population of 60 million, there is obviously a lot of room for development.”
Meanwhile, departing Leinster out-half David Holwell has had his red card from Sunday’s Celtic League semi-final defeat to Munster rescinded.
Referee Nigel Whitehouse dismissed the Kiwi for allegedly kneeing Munster’s Peter Stringer.
Applications for the vacant head coach of Leinster closed on Monday, with the team management committee to meet next week to discuss the shortlist.
Leinster says it is hopeful of making an announcement in the next fortnight. Former London Irish coach and Springbok centre Brendan Venter is among the favourites.
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