Players given time to think it over

Players have been given more time to prepare submissions to the game’s control board amid concerns over the financial future of rugby and Connacht rugby in particular.

The Irish Rugby Football Union were due to meet on Thursday to consider proposals for the game’s future.

But they have postponed the meeting to give players more time to consider their own submissions.

A statement from the IRFU read: “Pending the receipt of a submission from the Irish Rugby Union Players’ Association (IRUPA) and taking account of anticipated proposals to be made by the Connacht Branch, the scheduled committee meeting of the IRFU on Thursday, January 23 has been postponed.

“So as to provide proper time to evaluate that and all other options, the union’s debate is now likely to take place at its scheduled meeting on February 7.

“A meeting is scheduled to take place between the Irish Rugby Union Players’ Association and IRFU representatives, following which the IRUPA proposals will be circulated to the members of the IRFU Committee.

“Similarly, the Connacht Branch is to be requested to forward its proposals in advance so that the union committee is given sufficient time to evaluate them properly.

“The IRFU’s over-riding concern is to ensure that the correct decisions relating to its current difficulties are made for all of Irish rugby, including the professional game, the players and the clubs and schools game.

“To this end, the union has consistently indicated, including to the Connacht Branch and IRUPA, that it welcomes all initiatives relating to solving the shared challenges facing Irish rugby.”

Financial problems have left the future of rugby at all levels below full international the subject of speculation in Ireland.