Scheme for contracts is a positive investment

THE radical change in rugby since the game went professional last August has presented unions, branches, clubs indeed every strand of the game - with an immense challenge. The initiative announced last Sunday on players' contracts is a sure sign that there will be no passive acceptance of, Irish players being lost to the game here, and that there is a will to meet the challenge.

It was inevitable that when professionalism was embraced people from outside the game would seek to exploit the situation. They have come from predictable sources. They range from the television moguls to players agents, and their influence has had knock on consequences. When money is the issue, morality and loyalty are often tested well beyond their limits.

One of the big fears from an Irish perspective was that players would move to play their club rugby in England, where the pay that Irish clubs could not match would be available - even if the living may not be equally congenial and comfortable. The IRFU has shared the anxiety of clubs and provinces about the damage being done to the game here by the exodus.

A solution did not easily and readily present itself. The availability of the England based players for the Ireland side was not at issue, but Irish players based with English clubs was a major concern for the provinces. Obviously, those with clubs participating in Europe or, indeed, the proposed Anglo Welsh competition, would not be released to play for Irish provinces.

Those were the crucial factors that prompted the IRFU to address the issue and offer the financial inducement that would keep Irish players at home. Consequently, the intention, announced last Sunday by the IRFU, that around 40 players' will be contracted to the IRFU with the proviso that they play their rugby in Ireland is a wise move. It was given an enthusiastic welcome by players, managers and club officials yesterday.

While the financial details have not been finalised, the suggested figure that each player will receive around £30,000 will not be much wide of the mark. In addition, those who make the Ireland side will get match fees, and these will not be less than the money paid this year, £3,000 a match and £1,000 win bonus. This means that some of the contracted players can look forward to earning well over £40,000.

While some of the Irish players who have gone to English clubs will get more than that from their clubs, there are other factors that will undoubtedly influence players who have been approached to go to England to decide against such a move.

By staying in Ireland these players now know that they can earn some very big money, they will not have to move to foreign and strange surroundings and be based in some flat in a London suburb or other English city suburb away from their family and friends. They will not have to give up their jobs in Ireland and will be able to pursue their careers outside the game. When all those factors are considered there is no doubt that, even financially, the players could be infinitely better off staying at home.

The president of the IRFU, Syd Millar, put it into perspective when he said, "It may not keep every player at home, but when players look at all the issues involved, I think many of them will opt to stay in Irish rugby."

WHILE the specific package has not been finalised, the IRFU honorary treasurer, Bobby Deacy said yesterday, "I estimate that it will cost around £2 million." But that will be money very well spent. This season the cost of running the Ireland squad was well over £1 million.

Deacy confirmed that those players who are not in the 40 or so who will get contracts but who play in their provincial sides will, as this season, be recompensed. "That will be the situation. All those who play at interprovincial level who are not among the contracted players will be paid,", he said. Players got £400 a match for playing in the interprovincial series this season, £500 per match for European Cup group matches and £750 for a semi final.

"All the exact financial details have yet to be finalised " said Deacy. "I believe that at least some players contemplating offers from England will now think very carefully about it. The emphasis has changed."

One of those players is prop Paul Wallace. He is in receipt of a lucrative offer from England and obviously has been giving it very careful consideration. He said yesterday, "There is no doubt at all that the decision announced by the IRFU now has to be a major factor for me and others. It changes things considerably. It has to be a huge consideration in any decision. I must say I think it is a very positive move.

Jim Glennon, the manager of the Leinster team, was "absolutely delighted with the decision. I give a full hearted welcome to a decision that I believe essential to the future of the game at club and provincial levels here.

"I have spoken to players who have offers from England and I honestly believe that deep down few if any want to go to England," he said. "Some of the offers they got made it worthwhile for them to give up their careers, but this decision by the IRFU changes all that. When players weigh all the considerations and realise that they can still pursue their careers here, even financially they will be better off. Rugby playing days do not last forever, and careers outside the game are very important. When players look at that vital factor, as they must, then they will know the best decision to take, to stay in Ireland."

Ireland manager Pat Whelan travelled to Dublin last night to have discussions on the new initiative and other relevant matters with the IRFU's game participation sub committee. "I have felt it essential that definite steps had to be taken to encourage and give incentive to our players to stay at home and I give a very enthusiastic welcome to the decision," Whelan said.

"The new situation provides a very big incentive for players to stay in Ireland and that has to be beneficial to the game in Ireland. Obviously I will be discussing the matter in detail with the IRFU. Forty players may seem a lot, but that should embrace all those likely to have been offered or likely to be given offers from English clubs."

Garryowen chairman Frank Hogan, who has expressed huge concern at Irish clubs losing players, said, "Anything that helps us to retain our players has to be good and I give this a warm welcome. It was obvious that something had to be done in the current climate, you just could not stand back and do nothing about a critical situation.

"I have been very aware of the dangers and problems and said so," Hogan continued. "And while I am still not in any way happy with the proposed structure for next season, and think it should be looked at again, the IRFU proposal to contract the players is a definite step in the right direction."