Provinces to help cover central IRFU contracts

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has announced a change to its funding model which will see the four provinces contribute "up to 30%" to help cover the cost of players on central contracts from next season.

Currently, Leinster have nine players on central contracts with the IRFU while Munster, Connacht and Ulster each have one.

The IRFU says the recommendations of its review have the support of the provinces, the steering committee and the governing body's union committee.

The union added that annual funding of approximately 40 million euro (£34m) will be provided to the provinces on a "more transparent and equitable basis".

The review commenced in September 2023 and was conducted by an external consultant under the direction of an IRFU steering committee which included a delegate from each of the four provinces.

The IRFU added that in addition to "ensuring the four provinces remain competitive", a key focus of the review was to "safeguard the success" of the Ireland national team, which generates more than 80% of the union's annual revenues.

Speaking about the review, IRFU chief executive Kevin Potts said: "With 80% of the Union’s income derived from our men’s national team, it is imperative that we protect that income at all costs as it is essential to delivering our expanding women’s rugby programme and ongoing support of our domestic game.

"At the heart of our existing model is the central control of player contracting and management, which is admired by many.

"A key change to the funding model will see provinces contribute up to 30% of the cost of a national contract for their players, with this level to be reviewed annually."

Potts, who said the IRFU will continue to review the funding model annually, added: "We hear loud and clear from our players that Ireland is the best place for them to play rugby, owing to our exceptionally high player welfare standards and game management, and that is something of which we are immensely proud.

"The strength of rugby in Ireland is aligned to having four healthy, competitive provinces and the IRFU remains committed to delivering this in a financially sustainable manner.

"In essence, this new model is simpler, more transparent, more equitable and delivers better incentivisation and alignment."