IRFU deny plans to end Connacht pro rugby

The IRFU tonight issued a statement denying a decision has been made to scrap the professional set-up in Connacht.

There was widespread anger at reports today that the Connacht professional set-up would be ended. The report came ahead of an important Parker Pen Shield clash for the men from the west.

The IRFU statement said its IRFU Committee meeting had a full agenda which "discussed the finances of the Union and all aspects of its operations including domestic, club and schools rugby, professional rugby and overheads".

"The Union Committee is agreed that the IRFU should not plan for an operational deficit and in this regard there will need to be a reduction in overall expenditure and an increase in income to ensure the IRFU does not move into an unsustainable financial situation.

"No decisions, contrary to Media comment, have been made in relation to where expenditure can be reduced across the spectrum of IRFU activities," the statement added.

The IRFU said the committee will be meeting in a fortnight’s time to give further consideration to the issues involved.

"In the meantime representatives of the IRFU will be having a further meeting with representatives of the Irish Rugby Union Players’ Association, at their request to further brief them," the statement concluded.