THE IRFU ROADMAP

IRFU chief Philip Browne outlined Irish rugby’s ‘Return to Train and Play’ proposals yesterday, which have been submitted to the Government. Browne also revealed the severe financial implications in the current climate. The key takeaways were as follows…

•The IRFU has set target dates of August 22/23 to stage a series of interprovincial games behind closed doors at the Aviva Stadium.

•The games will be under the umbrella of Pro14, with a view to completing the tournament play-offs later in the year.

•Browne expects the new Pro14 season to resume in October while there is still hope the autumn internationals will go ahead as planned in November. Andy Farrell’s men are set to face Australia, world champions

South Africa and Japan.

•The IRFU confirmed that private equity firm CVC has acquired a 28pc stake in the Pro14, with the participating unions retaining a 72% stake in the league.

•That deal will provide a muchneeded cash boost of €33.5million to IRFU coffers over the next three years.

•However, Browne revealed that the IRFU stands to lose €15million and €20million if this season’s Six Nations and autumn internationals aren’t completed while Government support in the future may be necessary. Those losses may top €30million if the 2021 Six Nations is cancelled.

•The picture is even more grim for the All-Ireland League, with Browne revealing that almost 70 clubs around the country have already applied for financial support through the Club Continuity Support Fund.