Rugby chiefs move to pacify clubs with strategic plan

DIVISION ONE clubs in the AIB All-Ireland League have jumped the gun in their trenchant reaction to proposed changes in the League format.

Although the IRFU did not quite say as much last night, Union chief executive Philip Browne insisted that the proposals to revamp the league would become clearer in the months ahead when a complete strategic plan for the game would be unveiled.

Mr Browne added that taken in isolation, the plans for the league, could be negatively interpreted, but in the context of the strategic plan, would look completely different.

The First Division clubs last night responded by asking why, if a strategic plan is to be unveiled, were the changes to the league issued in isolation.

In an IRFU statement calculated to dampen reported breakaway threats by the Division One clubs, Mr Browne said the IRFU understood the concern expressed in some quarters.

"The IRFU is operating within the context of leading the sport of Irish rugby as a whole for the betterment of all stakeholders and will publish the entire strategic plan in the coming months," Mr. Browne said.

He predicted that, at that point "all parties will be in a position to assess the full context into which the league structures fit and specifically the wide range of initiatives that would support the revised league structures".

He also claimed that the plan will be the result of the most comprehensive and open grass roots review ever conducted by any Irish sporting body.

"Until then the IRFU will continue to do all it can to engage with all parties on the domestic league structures proposed for the 2005-6 season."

In trying to calm some of the more vocal opponents to the changes, Mr Browne said that while the IRFU recognised change will always induce a level of anxiety, equally it felt its work through the consultative and strategic planning processes revealed "that to do nothing would be to fail in creating a better environment and future for Irish rugby, clubs, players, volunteers and supporters alike."

Mr Browne maintained that the structure of the game of rugby had changed irrevocably and experienced more upheaval in the last 9 years than the previous 120 years of amateur status.

"This is the first time, since professionalism was introduced in 1995, that Irish rugby has had the chance to take stock of these changes so that it can plan to assess and stabilise the club environment. The Union's assessment points to the need for growing the sport at all levels which will require a rejuvenated and revitalised club scene as the game's bedrock.

"A healthy club scene including, but not exclusive to, senior team level will be vital if Irish rugby is to survive as a serious sport in this country or as a worthy competitor on the world stage."