IRFU defends handling of club game

IRFU chiefs have defended their treatment of domestic rugby in the wake of stinging criticism from two high profile clubs.

Officials from Cork Con and Garryowen questioned where the game at grassroots ranked with the IRFU given the rapid development of the sport at professional level in recent years. Last night union bosses came out fighting.

Spokesman John Redmond said: “The IRFU provided €11m to the domestic game in 2009-10 and €9.7m in this season just ending (2010-11).”