New plan for IRFU agreed

The new strategic plan for rugby in Ireland is aimed at raising the standard of the sport at all levels, according to the man who launched the scheme at Lansdowne Road.

The president of the IRFU, John Quilligan, said: “This plan only represents the end of the beginning. It now needs all rugby followers to decide what part they will play in making it a success.”

Quilligan’s message was backed by the chairman of the IRFU’s management committee, John Hussey, who said: “The strategic plan represents a new level of planning for Irish rugby and is the result of a lengthy period of research, analysis, consultation and change within the IRFU.

“The plan provides the basis for a new model and strategic dynamic at all levels of the sport in Ireland.”

Amongst the IRFU’s stated aims are 100,000 registered players by 2008, Ireland in the top four in the world rankings, victory in the Six Nations Championship and for a province in the 1 European Cup, a network of high performance player facilities and a 24% growth in revenue.