Connacht Rugby set for radical overhaul

CONNACHT RUGBY is set to undergo a radical administration change, with a new board of directors taking over its operations.

The results of the combined IRFU/Connacht Rugby review, which was started midway through last season, are to be announced on Friday in Galway at which IRFU president Caleb Powell, chief executive Philip Browne, Connacht chief executive Gerry Kelly, Irish coach Declan Kidney and Connacht’s Eric Elwood will be present.

It is understood the new setup — a professional games board, will be charged with the responsibility of administering all aspects of professional rugby in the province. It will operate along similar lines to those run in the other provinces, but, in Connacht’s case, its board members, all of whom have an interest or stake in the province, have been approved by the IRFU.

Importantly, it is believed the result is an acknowledgement that Irish Rugby needs four provinces, dispelling continued threats of Connacht’s demise. Kidney’s presence at Friday’s announcement also indicates the province will continue to be used in developing Irish players.

As a result, Connacht’s playing budget will be increased, although it will remain less than the other provinces, and the new board will be charged with improving the province’s finances, support base, and facilities.

The player and management contracts, which last year were limited to one year as an interim measure while the review was undertaken, will also be extended.

A Connacht management board had been in operation since the start of this year, but that has now dissolved.

Connacht CEO Gerry Kelly says the audit was undertaken to ensure a sustainable future for Connacht Rugby.

“We are looking forward to a positive outcome from the review which has been on-going for the last year.”

The review, conducted by Morgan Buckley’s Atlantic Sport Management, began last year after Connacht asked the IRFU for help to put in place a sustainable business model.

It is believed key recommendations of that report have been approved by the IRFU following negotiations between itself and Connacht officials, headed by former Provincial Branch president and management consultant Steve Cunningham.

Meanwhile, Irish Rugby Union Players’ Association (IRUPA) chief executive Niall Woods yesterday announced he is to step down from his role in the new year, after eight years at the helm.

Woods’ primary achievements during his term included the creation of a unique player insurance product in 2006, which safeguards the financial futures of players who are forced to retire.

He also negotiated a new standard player contract on behalf of all players for the first time in 12 years, and secured player representation on the IRFU representative game committee.

He launched the Player Services Programme in 2008, which prepares players for life after rugby and attracted international businessman Denis O’Brien to the board in 2009.

Most recently, he negotiated an independent exit medical for every player retiring from the game and secured the extension of the players’ medical insurance for 12 months post retirement.

Woods said: “I have truly enjoyed my time with IRUPA and I am delighted to have been involved in the organisations many achievements in taking IRUPA to where it is today.

“Together with our executive board, the organisation has made significant strides in promoting and protecting the welfare of professional rugby players in Ireland.”

Munster captain and IRUPA executive board member Paul O’Connell paid tribute to Woods; tenure in charge.

“Niall really moved the IRUPA organisation onto the professional stage, and created an energetic association capable of tackling the issues facing professional rugby players in Ireland,” he said.

“Through his leadership, IRUPA has delivered on many of the welfare issues affecting the game.”