Heineken Cup split threatens Irish game

The IRFU faces new financial concerns as the English and French clubs plan to withdraw from the Heineken Cup.

The loss of TV revenue caused by the European tournament falling apart would be somewhere in the region of €6 million per year for Irish rugby’s governing body, and would affect the game at all levels in the country.

The IRFU have so far remained silent on the English and French clubs’ statements, although reaction is expected after today’s ERC stakeholders meeting in Dublin. The ERC themselves have admitted to “a shared sense of frustration” among the unions involved.

Meanwhile, several high profile international players have expressed their support for the Heineken Cup, and their hope that the competition canbe salvaged in some form.

Wales and Racing Metro centre Jamie Roberts tweeted: “If this is the end of the H Cup then it’s a very sad day. Best club tournament in our game.

“Some incredible memories for fans andplayers.”

In Ireland, Leinster back Luke Fitzgerald tweeted: “Wow,that’d be seriously disappointingif a resolution can’t be found to keep a European competition going.”

The Harlequins out-half Nick Evans also took to social media to express his view: “So it looks like this year is to be the last we see of the Heineken Cup, massive loss to world rugby!”

It is clear many of the players involved in the Heineken Cup do not want this breakaway by English and French clubs to happen.

Neither do the overwhelming majority of fans. But with the likes of BT Sport increasingly investing money in TV rights for rugby, the sport is becoming increasingly based on business decisions. The IRFU must ensure that they are not left behind by other unions’ ambitions.