IRFU shelves plans to scrap Connacht

The Irish Rugby Football Union has shelved plans to scrap Connacht as a professional outfit.

In a statement released last night, the IRFU said no decision will be made regarding the Connacht situation until the completion of a strategic planning process established in August.

In the meantime, the statement said, "the process of contracting players will continue as heretofore in all four provinces".

Following the news, the Connacht branch of the IRFU withdrew its request for a special council meeting to discuss the provincial side's future.

The Friends of Connacht Rugby group, which was set up to oppose plans to end the province's professional status, welcomed the IRFU's move and said it will look forward with optimism to the future of rugby in the west.