IRFU warn of potential €20m losses amid call for State support

The IRFU had set a target of a return to competitive rugby with behind-closed-doors PRO14 derbies at the Aviva Stadium starting August 22-23.

IRFU chief executive Philip Browne issued a stark analysis of the impact of Covid-19 on Irish rugby on Friday as he forecast losses of between €15 and €20 million if this season’s remaining Six Nations matches and the autumn internationals are not played.

Browne's assessment came on a day when the PRO14, in which the IRFU is a stakeholder, announced a sale of a 28% stake in the five-nation league to venture capitalists CVC and which will net the Irish governing body £30m (€33.5m), phased over three years.