Sport

IRFU expresses concern over English action

THE IRFU has followed the expected course in expressing grave concern at the action taken by the English Rugby Union (RFU) in…

By EDMUND VAN ESBECK
Tue Apr 23 1996 - 01:00

THE IRFU has followed the expected course in expressing grave concern at the action taken by the English Rugby Union (RFU) in proposing to conduct separate negotiations for the renewal of the television contract for the Five Nations Championship. The IRFU has also given unreserved support to the statement issued last Tuesday by the Five Nations Committee on England's action.

The statement issued yesterday by the IRFU is: "Having heard reports from its representatives, Tom Kiernan and Syd Millar, on the recent meeting of the Five Nations Committee, the IRFU supports unreservedly the statement issued by that committee on Tuesday, April 16th. In endorsing this statement the IRFU expresses its grave concern at the action taken by the Rugby Football Union (England) in proposing that negotiations for the renewal of the television contract would be conducted by individual unions.

"Historically the Five Nations Championship has developed as one of the most popular and successful annual sporting competitions and has a worldwide appeal.

Its success has been achieved through the combined efforts and equal contribution of all the participants.

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The IRFU believes that the Five Nations Championship and Triple Crown should continue to be marketed as a complete package."

The IRFU also confirmed that Ireland has accepted an invitation to participate in the FIRA Under 19 international tournament to be played in Argentina in March 1997. With the Ireland schools side having won the Triple Crown this season, Ireland will be a position to put a very formidable side in the field for that event. Wales and Scotland have also indicated that they will participate. In this instance, as in much else, the RFU is out of line with the other unions. England has not accepted the invitation.

It was also confirmed by the TRFU yesterday that the status quo will obtain next season in relation to the third and fourth divisions in the Insurance Corporation All Ireland League. There had been suggestions that a third division north and south would be put in place instead of the third and fourth divisions but, following consultation and feed back from the division three and four clubs, the union has complied with the wishes expressed by the majority of the clubs.