CONNACHT ARE in discussions with the IRFU about the possible implications of the proposed changes to the number of non-Irish qualified players allowed in squads. While Connacht are treated separately from the other provinces – all of whose coaches have voiced their opposition – Eric Elwood said the change in policy could have an impact for his side.

The Connacht coach confirmed he is in constant dialogue with the IRFU in an effort to secure a bigger squad for next season and that an extra “special project” player will be made available to the province. “We are working away at that, trying to increase our squad and to make us competitive in the key areas,” said Elwood.

“We are treated completely differently to the other boys with regards the status of non-Irish players, so it doesn’t affect us.

“We have our own agenda that we are working on with the IRFU in health and succession planning and that is still a work in progress. We cannot have eight or nine non-Irish qualified players, but we have extra special projects that we can get if we want them as well as the four non-Irish players.”

However, with Connacht relying a lot on the movement of players from the other three provinces, Elwood recognises down the line it might become even harder for him to prise young players away as Leinster, Munster and Ulster start to hoard the talent.

“You can look at it two ways; you hope it can work in your benefit, but when this kicks in it will have a stress on the four teams, because every other club will look after holding on to their Irish players. It is in the balance. It has been put out there by the IRFU and it is up to the other provinces to fight with the IRFU on that. I don’t know if it is a done deal, but it is out there.”