IRFU ready to dial a new deal with Vodafone

IRFU chief executive Philip Browne confirmed the union has agreed a deal with a new main sponsor which will kick in next summer, but poured cold water on the size and span of the deal which is reportedly with Vodafone.

Reports last month claimed the union had agreed a €50m, ten-year agreement with the mobile phone operator, one that would kick in once the current deal with O2 expires in May. Not the case, claimed Browne, who refused to identify the backer’s identity.

“The situation in relation to sponsorship is we have an excellent sponsorship with Three which runs until the end of the current season. We’re working with their people in relation to the Rugby World Cup and in relation to the Six Nations.