IRFU are running rings around Aviva partner

IT was a joy to see Ireland beat New Zealand in the Aviva Stadium last Saturday.

Any Irish person would be thrilled and excited by the victory. It caps off a remarkable 2018 with a Six Nations Grand Slam success at the start of the year.

However what struck me most a bigger supporter of the round ball game is just how well the IRFU have their house in order in comparison with the FAI who also share the Aviva Stadium.

On the field the IRFU are flying high, but they are matching their sporting success with commercial acumen, while the FAI are labouring in both, still burdened by their share of the debt for the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road and stuttering on the field with a lack of clear purpose, never mind results.