Ireland may pull out of World Cup warm-up Tests in Samoa and Tonga in June because the IRFU is reported to be unable to pay any of the costs.
Under International Rugby Board (IRB) regulations the host nation has to pick up the costs and it is believed the IRFU are unwilling to help out the cash-strapped Pacific islanders.
"We've had contact from the Tongans and the Samoans regarding the trip, and we've responded saying that we expect to travel under IRB regulations which means that they pick up the expenses incurred once the tour is under way," IRFU chief executive Philip Browne was reported as saying.
"Under current circumstances we are not in a position to take on any extra expense. We have kept the IRB abreast of all correspondence. Ultimately they will make the decision".
Ireland finish their Six Nations campaign at home to England on March 30th and play World Cup warm-ups against Italy at home on Aug 30th and Scotland at Murrayfield on Sept 6th.
Ireland's World Cup Pool A opponents are Australia, Argentina, Romania and Namibia. They open their World Cup against Romania on Oct 11th.