An own goal, says Thomond Park boss
PROPOSED free-to-air broadcasts of European rugby matches will have a devastating impact on the Irish game, according to officials from both Munster Branch and the IRFU. The proposed changes to the Broadcasting Act have been described by Thomond Park manager, John Cantwell, as, “A complete own goal”.
The IRFU estimated that the loss of revenue to Irish rugby if the proposed European Rugby matches become free-to-air, would be between €10 million and €12 million per annum.
Karl Richardson of the IRFU, revealed to the Limerick Post where TV income is distributed: “We take in all of the TV revenue which is carefully invested in grassroots rugby and the retention of top players such as Paul O’Connell and Keith Earls”.
He believes a move to free-to-air European rugby will result in a huge decrease in our ability to stop top players being snapped up by overseas clubs.
“Munster, which is the largest franchise, will be the largest loser as the majority of their players are Irish”.
Mr Richardson argues that the proposals do not correlate with the growth of Irish rugby, which is the country’s only fully professional team sport, over the past five years.
“It has been suggested that we look at other revenue streams but they are just not there, and Munster still have to pay for Thomond Park. It is not scaremongering… it is very serious and strikes at the heart of Irish rugby”.
When making his announcement, Communications Minister, Eamonn Ryan, said: “These events are part of what we are as a nation and their enjoyment should be available to all. These special events should not be limited to those who have a subscription or pay-per-view service – they warrant the widest possible access for Irish people.”
John Cantwell said that the decision will have a very negative commercial effect on Thomond Park and European Cup Rugby.
“It will affect ticket sales and damage the standard of the competition if the money isn’t there”.
He believes that the already successful formula should not be interfered with: “The product won’t be what it is today with Munster and Leinster selling out Thomond Park and the RDS for European games”.
According to Mr Cantwell the proposals have far-reaching implications, “If the matches, which deliver so much to Limerick, aren’t sold-out, it will affect hotels, bars and other businesses”.
Ultimately, he argues, such a move would take a lot more revenue out of the system than just the funds for broadcasting rights.
Existing free to air events
Summer Olympics, All-Ireland Senior Inter-County Football and Hurling Finals, European Football Championship and FIFA World Cup Tournaments, Rugby World Cup Finals Tournament, The Irish Grand National and the Irish Derby, The Nations Cup at the Dublin Horse Show
Proposed additional events
GAA – Provincial Finals in the Senior Football and Hurling Championships and All-Ireland quarterfinals and semi-finals, Six-Nations Rugby, European Rugby Cup and The Cheltenham Festival.
