IRFU faces legal threat in player eligibility row

THE IRFU has been threatened with High Court action by Young Munster if the issue of eligibility of Dolphin player Andrew O’Driscoll is not investigated by a tribunal.

The club denied it was withdrawing its objection to O’Driscoll lining out for Dolphin against Bective on April 29 last, a game in which the Cork club secured promotion to the All-Ireland League Division One.

An AIL committee dismissed Young Munster’s objection on two counts — that a club cannot object to a game they’ve not been involved in and also that they were outside the time limit to make such an objection. Both decisions were in accordance with AIL regulations.

However, Young Munster has written to the union, citing IRFU regulation 6.71, that it is the duty of a club or branch to report any breach of rules, and they said they would seek an order of mandamus in the High Court if the IRFU refuses to set up the required tribunal to investigate the O’Driscoll case.

The Limerick club maintains the playing of O’Driscoll should have been reported to the union and action should have been taken.

The club has already accepted a decision on its objection to O’Driscoll’s selection against them in the AIL Division 2 semi-final on May 6, which Dolphin won 26-24. O’Driscoll was found to have been ineligible and the match has been ordered to be replayed.