IRFU relieved by free-to-air decision

THE IRFU’s bean counters breathed a sigh of relief yesterday when the government decided not to impose free-to-air restrictions on the European club and Six Nations competitions.

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte, could have pulled Sky Sports monopoly of the Heineken and Amlin Cups, potentially costing the union 18% (€12 million) of their annual income.

Previous Minister, Eamon Ryan, mooted the move but the IRFU claimed their ability to hold on to home-grown players would have been seriously diminished and Connacht’s future would be over.