IRFU 'allowing Connacht rugby wither on the vine'

IRFU chiefs last night emphatically rejected fresh claims that Lansdowne Road is trying to put Connacht rugby out of existence.

Angry Connacht supporters have threatened protests to show their disapproval of "IRFU policy", and have not ruled out rallies during the Six Nations games in Dublin.

Connacht fans are unhappy that plans to bring Irish players home to build up a more formidable Connacht side have not been supported by the governing body. The Connacht Branch says it wants to bring back the likes of Johnny O'Connor, Gavin Duffy, Colm Rigney and Damian Browne, all of whom play in England, but the IRFU pointed out yesterday that some of those players are under contract with their clubs. Union chief executive Phillip Browne wants a proper business plan from Connacht to prove their proposals are viable.