The Irish Rugby Football Union is urging supporters to make submissions to the Government on the review of designated events which closes for public consultation tomorrow, Friday June 12th.
It has created an online submission tool which fans can take part in through adding their own name and email address to a letter which outlines why ‘limiting the broadcast of games to terrestrial TV only could have a seriously negative impact on all aspects of the game in Ireland.’
It’s a strategy based on an appeal to people to look beyond their own short term interests for the good of the game and as such is risky but the Union clearly believes that mobilising a broader support base is important so close to a decision.
The letter reads as follows:
Dear Minister White TD,
This submission on the Designation of Major Events is made based on my own personally held beliefs and in the interest of safeguarding the future of Rugby in Ireland.
It is my considered belief that designating Ireland’s RBS 6 Nations games on a live terrestrial TV basis could have a seriously negative impact on all aspects of the game in Ireland. The potential loss of current and future TV revenues will not only affect the competitiveness of our professional teams it will also affect the level of investment the IRFU can make in grassroots rugby.
I have genuine fears such a designation will devalue the Irish TV market which in turn could lead to a significant decrease in available revenue to support the future growth and success of the sport.
I believe that the risk of a reduction in Irish Rugby’s revenues by up to one fifth would result in the following:
• An inability to keep the top Irish players in Ireland
• A reduction in the number of professional players and teams in Ireland
• An inability to attract the best coaching talent to Ireland
• A reduction in investment in provincial infrastructure resulting in teams being unable to remain competitive in the PRO12 and in European competitions
• A reduction in funding in the grassroots game which affects the next generation of international stars from coming through
I would ask that the Minister considers these very serious concerns before making any decision on designating Ireland’s RBS 6 Nations matches as listed events.
The potential loss of current and future TV revenues will not only affect the competitiveness of Ireland’s professional teams, it will also affect the level of investment the IRFU can make in grassroots rugby.
This is a crucial issue for the sport and one which reared again following the drama of the final day of the RBS 6 Nations as broadcast so brilliantly on RTÉ back in March.
RTÉ has made a strong submission outlining the reasons why the free to air designation should be applied, as have other sports including Camogie and Ladies Football around their All Ireland Finals.
The reality for rugby though is that the investment going into clubs across Europe is massive, and unsustainable for a small country like Ireland competing under a central model of IRFU support for the provinces, unless the option to maximise broadcast revenues is maintained.
Read our opinion piece on why Rugby must be allowed to determine its own broadcast future.
