Browne’s IRFU financial fear

IRFU chiefs fear any boycott of the Heineken Cup or a similar European competition by English and/or French clubs could result in a €12m hit and place the union and the four provinces in a perilous financial position.

Revenue from the European and PRO12 competitions accounts for 13% of the IRFU’s annual income and that source is under threat with the impasse over English clubs participation in next season’s Heineken Cup.

Their French counterparts were of a similar mind until their union (the FFR) strong-armed them back into the Heineken camp, but it remains to be seen what action the powerful Top 14 club owners decide to take.