No deal with Sky says Millar

SYD MILLAR, the president of the IRFU, said yesterday that agreement with BSkyB had not been reached for the television rights for the Five Nations Championship when, the existing agreement with the BBC expires at the end of next season. No negotiations had even taken place, said Millar.

"I keep reading these reports and see vast sums of money quoted," said Millar. "I can state categorically that no negotiations, have even taken place. I know this is a matter of immense importance. I am happy to go on the record on this issue and do so as a member of the Five Nations committee and a member of the subcommittee who will deal with this issue.

He agreed that it seemed as if some of these stories quoting figures were being planted to serve a specific purpose. "I can assure you that they are no more than speculation with no substance," he added.

The president also responded vigorously to some of the criticism being made about the structure for next season and the decision to increase the first division of the Insurance Corporation All Ireland League from the current 11 to 14 clubs next season. This means there will be no relegation from the first division at the end of the current league, which resumes in a fortnight's time.

Frank Hogan, the chairman of Garryowen, has been the most vociferous opponent of the new structure and of the decision not to have relegation this season. Hogan was, in fact, a member of the president's review committee which had proposed changes in the structure, one of which was the possibility of reducing the first division to eight clubs.

Millar said Frank Hogan does not speak for the IRFU, he does not speak for the Munster Branch, and he does not speak for the clubs. He may, I repeat, may speak for his own club Garryowen. That is his only authority.

"We have made every effort to consult all the different parties involved. We consulted the branches and received their recommendations. We acted on the basis of the consultation process and in the best interests of the game in this country. Whatever Frank Hogan may say and whatever meetings are called by individuals, it is now apparent to us that the proposed new structure for the season and the league has got widespread support," said the president.

Hogan, responding to the president's comments, said last night: "I did not presume to speak for Irish rugby or in any way imply that I was doing so. I was expressing my concern about the league and I shall continue to speak on any rugby issue that I feel warrants it. The concern I have is not mine alone as events may prove in the future."

That structure was laid out in this newspaper a week ago after the IRFU had called a special meeting last Thursday week to discuss the structure of the season and the AIL in depth.

The meeting had before it various proposals from the branches, a study done by the Ken Reid, last season's union president and, chairman of the president's review committee, and George Spotswood, the IRFU rugby administrator.

"We are trying to put in place the best structure for the game in this country at all levels and we are also trying in so far as we can to offer encouragement and what help we can within our resources to players to stay playing with their clubs in this country. We understand that a player may be lured away by the promise of a big money contract.

"We are trying to give what incentives are within our resources to help all strands of the game," said Dr Millar.

Each province has received over £250,000 from the IRFU this season and additionally the IRFU has paid their provincial players. Recently all four Branches were given £100,000 for game development within their provinces.

On the issue of European Cup participation, the president said: "We are quite happy that our best route is to have our provincial sides in the tournament. Some people in England have their own selective and selfish agenda. Irish clubs should be careful not to be used by those motivated by self interest.

Efforts are being made to accommodate the Exiles in next season's interprovincial series, but there are difficulties because of the structure in England. The dates set aside for the Interprovincial Championship next season (September 21st, 28th and October 5th) will not be suitable for the Exiles.

Members of the IRFU will meet Exiles officials next week. The Exiles, will compete in the under 20 interprovincial series next season and will field an under 21 team in that.

The possibility of an All Ireland Cup is also on the agenda. That would mean playing it towards the end of the season and would almost certainly mean the end of the provincial cups.