Get the deals done early

The IRFU may have lost Jonathan Sexton to France but the union could avoid similar losses in the months and years to come by adopting a more proactive approach to contract negotiations, according to Omar Hassanein.

The CEO of the Irish Rugby Union Players Association (IRUPA), Hassanein said yesterday there has been “robust” discussions about the manner in which the Irish union has conducted such matters in light of Sexton’s decision to spurn a new contract here.

Timing, as much as money, is at the heart of the issue with Irish players unhappy that matters of such import are not dealt with earlier in the season and Hassanein suggested the IRFU should be taking an even longer term view.