Free-to-air plan 'could devastate Irish rugby'

Banning broadcasters from charging viewers to watch Heineken Cup and Six Nations clashes could devastate Irish rugby for generations to come, rugby chiefs warned tonight.

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) told an Oireachtas Committee that Communications Minister Eamon Ryan’s free-to-air plans could lead to a loss of up to €12m in revenue and an exodus of top players.