IRFU chief allays clubs’ fears for future
With all and sundry in the rugby community still at odds as to the best way forward for the domestic game, the clubs are in danger of being usurped as the accepted third tier in Ireland with the provincial ‘A’ structure taking their place.
With the Heineken Cup again in full swing, the autumn internationals just around the corner and an international programme that won’t end until next October’s World Cup on the way, the club game is again being pushed to the margins of the public’s consciousness.
“I accept that, from looking at the media, it would seem that our focus is totally on the international game but that is not the case,” said Boyle yesterday.
“The domestic game is the bedrock for the game of rugby in Ireland.
“Let me assure everyone that the domestic game is very firmly on the IRFU’s agenda at all times. Let me remind clubs as well that this is a two-way thing. Clubs must let us know their demands in order for us to work together.”
Boyle pointed to the appointment of Kevin Potts recently as domestic games manager and the continuation of the international programme as evidence of the IRFU’s determination to buttress the domestic structures.
The Irish club international side, which will again be managed by Geoff Moylan, will play two matches after Christmas (against England at home and Scotland away), as opposed to just the one this year when they defeated the Scots at Donnybrook.
Yesterday however, Moylan’s focus was more on the draw in Lansdowne Road for the AIB Cup, which saw his Buccaneers side handed a difficult first-round trip to Limerick, where they will face Garryowen.
“At least it will be a home tie for me,” said the Buccs coach.
“All games are tough at this stage of the competition but we would have preferred a home fixture. The AIB Cup will be a break from the league for us. We’ve started poorly but there are reasons for that.”
Cork Constitution won the tournament last year with a comprehensive victory over St Mary’s at the Ballsbridge venue and the Templeville Road outfit lie in wait again in this year’s competition.
Before that however, Con must see off Lansdowne in the only preliminary round tie on the weekend of November 25/26 and Leinster’s Niall Ronan will be hoping that the Dublin side can spring something of a shock against the Cork side.
“Cork Con away from home is always going to be a tough game for any team at any time and in any competition,” said the 24-year old. “They hammered us two years ago so hopefully we have improved since then and we can go on to face St Mary’s in the first round.”
The first round proper will be played on the weekend of January 12/13, with the final down for decision on Saturday April 14. The tournament is being run on an open draw basis, as is the AIB Junior Cup.
Last year’s winners Rainey Old Boys are not included in the 16 participants this year but beaten finalists Youghal face a local derby in the first round with a home tie against Mallow.
Early favourites Seapoint have been handed an all-Leinster tie at home against Monkstown. That competition kicks off on Saturday December 16, with the final to be played prior to the senior decider in April.
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