Rugby:The future of the professional game in Connacht has been secured for at least another three years after the province received the financial backing of the IRFU. Having been forced to run the operation on a year-to-year basis, with players and coaches only offered short-term deals, Connacht can now look to build for the future.
A new seven-man board, chaired by businessman Jimmy Staunton, will assume overall control of the province while the IRFU has given an undertaking to provide increased support. In addition, the other provinces have agreed to allow more of their players move to Galway where appropriate.
“This will allow Connacht to benefit from the playing talent from the other provincial academies and teams to develop the strength of Ireland qualified players throughout all of the four provinces,” the IRFU said this morning.
The news will provide a huge boost for rugby west of the Shannon were there had been fears the IRFU would scale back their investment. Instead, the likes of Ireland hooker Sean Cronin can be tied down to long-term contracts and officials have already opened contract negotiations with a number of players.
“This new development represents a shot in the arm for professional rugby in Connacht,” said chief executive Gerry Kelly today. “It is an endorsement by the IRFU that Connacht is a core element of the Irish rugby family and under the direction of the new board, and with the commitment of support from the other Provinces, we believe that a bright and sustainable future is in store for professional rugby in the west.”