IRFU: Free-to-air proposals 'a threat to rugby'

The IRFU have described Communications Minister Eamon Ryan's proposal to ensure that future Six Nations and Heineken Cup matches can be watched on free-to-air television as "seriously misguided" and "the greatest threat to the sport of rugby in Ireland since it went professional in 1995".

In a statement this morning the Irish rugby authorities as well as the Six Nations and ERC hit out at the proposals saying it would result in the IRFU losing 18% (€12m) of its annual income.

It also said the move would destabilise "the international partnerships that underpin both the Six Nations and Heineken Cup competition".

"Such a loss would unravel everything that has been built up and created over the last 10 years," the IRFU said.

The decision would also be likely to result in more Irish players moving abroad, a probable reduction in the number of professional Irish rugby teams and the inability of Irish national and provincial teams to compete at the highest levels, the IRFU said.

It also predicted 'severe' reductions in the €10m annual budget for clubs and schools across the island.

The IRFU also stressed the knock-on effect the proposal would have on the national and regional economies saying the "rugby economy" is worth €375m to the hospitality, travel and retail sectors around Ireland.

"The irony is that Minister Ryan's proposal would destroy both the sport and the very cultural events the Minister believes he would be protecting," said IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne.

Mr Browne said it would not be possible for the IRFU to replace the monies lost especially in the difficult economic times and with a falling population base. He called on the Minister to explain how he believed the IRFU could replace the €12m in lost income without damaging the sport.

Concerns were also expressed over international relations – both between the North and the Republic, and with the other countries involved in the RBS 6 Nations.

Browne continued: “Irish rugby has been a uniting bond for people across the island for well over 100 years, through all the most difficult times in modern history and the ’troubles’ in particular.

“We are deeply uncomfortable with the potential effect a unilateral political move such as this might have on our sporting federation.”

And Six Nations chief executive John Feehan added: “The Six Nations is already guaranteed to be shown on RTE for the next three years.

“The other Unions cannot understand why Ireland is biting the hand that feeds it when Irish Rugby already receives more than four times what Ireland brings to the central pot. This would have a devastating effect if it went ahead.”

Minister Ryan last month announced a list of events he proposes to designate as "of major importance to society", making them free-to-air for Irish television viewers.

Under EU law member states may designate certain sporting and cultural events in order to make them available on free television.

Also included under the proposals are the Cheltenham Festival, the provincial finals in the GAA senior hurling and football championships, and the All-Ireland finals and semi-finals in both codes.

A consultation period for the proposal has been extended to July 4.