IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne has welcomed the government’s allocation of a €40 million support to the FAI, IRFU and GAA due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Browne had previously outlined how the IRFU’s finance’s had been heavily impacted with Browne outlining a possible eroding of the union’s reserves.
“Since the closedown of the country in March Irish Rugby’s income has effectively fallen off a cliff and while we have moved quickly to significantly reduce our costs, huge financial pressure will remain our reality until we return to a time when we can welcome supporters back to full stadia across our professional game” explained Browne.
“Sport is far more than a pastime, it is an important economic driver for the national and local economy, it supports the physical and mental well-being of our people and it adds to the social and cultural fabric of each and every community in the country, ensuring that young and old can form the friendships, skills and values that we are known for across the world.”
“The funding available from government will be a lifeline to sports and the IRFU thank the Taoiseach and his government for standing with our sector in this time of crisis” added Browne.
The IRFU also welcomed the announcement from government today which permits the return of sport from the 29th June, having previously planned for a return to inter-provisional rugby in August and club rugby in September.
The IRFU say they will now consult with their provinces and will assess the latest update from the Irish government and will communicate with clubs in due course.
Clubs operating in Northern Ireland will be updated based on the NI Executive Coronavirus Recovery Plan.
