The IRFU has announced a shift in funding for national contracts where provinces will now pay 30% of each contract, replacing the previous model where all costs were entirely borne by the union. This new approach, set to be reviewed each year, responded to grievances from other provinces accusing Leinster of having a financial upper hand due to the number of centrally contracted players.
Leinster, who do not cover any salary costs for their centrally secured players, could see their yearly wage bill increase by up to €1.5 million as a result of this change. Currently, Leinster holds contracts for nine players, namely Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, James Ryan, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris, Robbie Henshaw, Garry Ringrose, and Hugo Keenan. Jamison Gibson-Park is expected to soon join this group from the next season.
Other provinces have contracted one central player each; Tadhg Beirne for Munster, Bundee Aki for Connacht, and Iain Henderson for Ulster. Jack Crowley, Munster outhalf, may join this contingent if he keeps his consistent performance at the provincial and national level.
The IRFU stated that an external consultant conducted this review under a steering committee that consisted of an IRFU delegate from each province and engaged in comprehensive consultation with key stakeholders, including the provinces, Rugby Players Ireland (RPI), and the IRFU.
The Union confirmed in a statement that the review’s recommendations were supported by the provinces, the steering committee, and the IRFU committee. They noted the key goal of the review was to guard the achievements of the men’s national team, which accounts for over 80% of the IRFU’s yearly revenue, while maintaining competitiveness among the four provinces.
For the prosperity of national and provincial teams, Irish rugby needs a steady stream of talent from all provinces. The IRFU affirmed its commitment to financial sustainability in Irish Rugby.
Each province will have a basic understanding of the others’ funding limits, yet more specifics will not be unveiled under the new arrangement, according to the provisions of a deal provided to each provincial delegate. The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) will supply roughly €40 million each year to the provinces with increased clarity and fairness, incorporating new incentives for income growth from EPCR and URC competitions. This includes a newly instated matching-funding scheme, aimed at bolstering fundraising efforts and extra investment in local games. The funding of club rugby is universally embraced.
Kevin Potts, the chief executive of IRFU, spoke regarding the review and emphasized the importance of preserving 80% income generated by the men’s national team, which is core to underpin our expanding women-specific rugby agenda and continual support of our local game.
At the heart of our current model is the control over player contracts and management, a model widely respected. A significant transformation in the funding model will necessitate provinces to bear up to 30% of the national contract expenses for their players, with an annual review of this percentage.
Our players’ unequivocal preference for playing rugby in Ireland due to high welfare standards and game management, fills us with immense pride. The robustness of Irish rugby is tethered to the financial health and competitiveness of the four provinces, a commitment the IRFU continues to honour.
In essence, this new model is simpler, fairer, and incentivises better alignment. However, we will continue to revise the model annually, taking into account the imminent release of a new strategic vision for rugby in Ireland. Gratitude is extended to all the provinces for their and we anticipate these changes will enhance rugby across Ireland.