The Irish Rugby Football Union today (30 Apr) published a Club Sustainability report, developed after almost two year of consultation and consideration with clubs , which will introduce a series of new regulations aimed at promoting and developing the domestic game at all levels.
The report addresses club concerns that a culture of ‘pay to play’ has developed in the game, which is not in the best interests of Irish Rugby. It is evident that significant expense was and continues to be incurred by clubs in order to remain competitive in what are, essentially, domestic competitions.
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The report will require all clubs to:
Adhere to the participation criteria for competitions
Discontinue transfer payments and inducements
Seek formal approval before fielding transferred players
Discontinue the practice of payments for playing
Discontinue direct payments to players from third parties/sponsors
Detail all player expenses in annual club accounts
The IRFU’s Scott Walker, Director of Rugby Development and Club Game, said;
“The domestic club game is the bedrock of Irish Rugby and securing its future is essential. Clubs and individuals have voiced their concerns and it is accepted that steps need to be taken to ensure that two fundamentals, volunteerism and loyalty, are protected and encouraged.
Payments to players became commonplace during our ‘boom’ years and this practice has put significant financial pressure on many clubs with resources being diverted from crucial areas. The changes introduced by this reports will protect and develop the domestic game.”
Ian McIlrath, Chair of the Working party added;
“The IRFU Committee has accepted that change is necessary and that implementation of the proposals in the report will be in the best interests of Irish Rugby.”
