Rugby:With the dawn of a new, extended Magners League season fast approaching, significant structural changes behind the scenes were announced following yesterday's Celtic Rugby board meeting in Cardiff.
In a restructuring programme for the Magners League John Feehan was appointed Celtic league chief executive, while Andy Irvine become the first independent chairman and heads-up an eight-person board of directors.
The Magners League will also be managed out of the same Dublin office in charge of the Six Nations and the British & Irish Lions, while Feehan will head up a team that includes 10 permanent staff members, including long-standing tournament director, David Jordan.
“As the Magners League prepares to expand through the introduction of two Italian teams to join the 10 clubs from Ireland, Scotland and Wales, I am delighted the Celtic Rugby Board has recognised there is a growing need to support the tournament’s expansion,” said outgoing chairman, John Hussey from the IRFU, who acted as chairman for the past seven years.
“Last season saw the highly successful introduction of a Play-Off system and Grand Final to determine our champions and the changes agreed by the board are aimed at continuing to shape the ever growing reputation of the tournament.
”Having a man of the calibre of Andy Irvine to take over from me is a real statement of intent from the Celtic Rugby Board and all the changes we have agreed will help support the growth of the Magners League product and our 12 clubs.”
Irvine is a former Scotland and Lions international, who is currently chairman of the British & Irish Lions Committee and a former president of the Scottish Rugby Union.
He is due take over his new role from Wednesday, September 1st in time for the launch of the 10th Magners League season. This year 12 teams are involved with the introduction of two Italian franchises, Aironi Rugby and Benetton Treviso.
Feehan is currently chief executive of Six Nations and British & Irish Lions and brings a wealth of experience to the position.
“It is my desire to do everything I can to see the Magners League competition reach its fullest potential,” said Feehan. “Not only do I believe that the competition can be pushed further, I think that my team and I are uniquely qualified and ideally situated to make that a reality.
“The taking on of the Magners League will undoubtedly pose a few challenges, but I know I speak for all of us in saying that we are ready to face them and are looking forward to getting involved with the game at club level.”
Celtic Rugby also announced Italian Pay-DTT broadcaster, Dahlia TV, will be showing live Magners League games played in Italy.
The four year deal will see Dahlia TVbroadcast at least 19 matches from the home of either Aironi Rugby or Benetton Rugby Treviso. They will also show any Play-Off games involving an Italian team as well as the Magners League Grand Final at the end of May.
The new season kicks-off on Friday, September 3rd with matches at Ravenhill between Ulster and reigning champions the Ospreys and Firhill Arena, where Glasgow Warriors will host Leinster.