On the same day as announcing an increase in the amount the provinces are asked to pay towards the salaries of National Player Contracts, the IRFU also confirmed an organisational efficiency review being undertaken with the assistance of Portas, a leading sports management consultancy.

Those three words have in the past been used as a euphemism for downsizing or a reduction in the workforce, but the IRFU has said in a statement this morning that “The objective of this efficiency review is to identify ways in which the IRFU can operate more efficiently and ensure that every Euro is working as hard as it can to support the game and deliver on our strategic ambitions.”

This initiative is part of the Union’s broader commitment to ensuring long-term financial sustainability and delivering on the strategic ambitions outlined in its five-year plan.

“Financial sustainability is a global challenge for the game, and we are not immune to that,” said IRFU CEO Kevin Potts.

“Last November when we announced our financial results, it was becoming increasingly clear that in order to invest in and deliver our strategic priorities, we would at some point need to review our programmes.”

“We may not be able to continue to do everything that we currently do and deliver on our strategic ambitions.”

“As stewards of the game, it is our responsibility to ensure that we are managing our resources in a way that secures the future and ongoing success of Irish Rugby.”

“This is not about short-term cuts – it is about ensuring we allocate a sustainable level of investment against strategic priorities to deliver on rugby objectives and is part of the IRFU’s ongoing efforts to adapt to a changing landscape while future-proofing the health and success of the game at every level.”

Further Reading for Sport for Business members:

IRFU Accounts Show Positives on Commercial But €18.4 Million Deficit

 

SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

Financial challenges have been evident in most rugby nations since before the pandemic, although Ireland has been a shining example of sound financial management.  We can only take at face value that this is more of the same: prudently planning and prioritising.  A look across the water to England and Wales though still gives pause for thought.

WHAT’S UP NEXT?

The Provinces are in URC action this weekend, with Leinster hosting Ulster and Munster and Connacht facing South African opposition

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