IRFU line-up new kit sponsor

The Irish Rugby Football Union should have a new kit sponsor on board by the end of the summer, Chief Executive Philip Browne has revealed.

Puma have bought out of their reported €40m contract with the Union — which was to run up to 2017 — and paid a once-off compensation payment of Euro €11.5m. It was described only as an “exceptional item” in the accounts released at yesterday’s AGM at the Aviva Stadium.

Browne confirmed negotiations have been ongoing with other high profile kit providers and said he expected a deal would be firmed up within weeks.