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.