RUGBY: The Government yesterday announced it will give €3.75 million to rugby this year. The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism John O'Donoghue made the announcement in a speech at the University of Limerick yesterday.

He described the grant to the IRFU as an investment in the future of rugby. "The Government has identified the GAA, IRFU and FAI, the main national governing bodies of sport, are best positioned to deliver major programmes which will provide opportunities for thousands of our young people to participate in sport," he said.

The IRFU approached the Government last year with plans for enhanced programmes for young people. The Minister said: "I am confident that today's developments will significantly assist participation in rugby for years to come."

Meanwhile, Dave McHugh was yesterday appointed operations manager of Leinster. McHugh's main role will be the management of the senior teams' logistics.