Leinster chief Dawson warns of dire consequences if TV revenue curbed

LEINSTER RUGBY chief executive, Mick Dawson, has warned there will be catastrophic consequences for the game in Ireland if Minister for Communications Eamon Ryan’s plans to make the Heineken Cup a ‘free-to-air’ event succeed.

Ryan wants to make Europe’s premier rugby club competition, the Cheltenham Festival and designated GAA championship matches available to all viewers who pay a TV licence.

Ryan has argued that Heineken Cup games involving Irish provinces are of “major national importance” and should join currently ringfenced events including both All-Ireland finals, the FIFA World Cup, the Rugby World Cup and Six Nations.