Major Events Coverage - Designation of Major Events
How You Can Support
You can support the IRFU position and safeguard the future of Irish Rugby by sending a submission to the Department of Communications,
Energy & Natural Resources.
We are asking inviduals and rugby clubs to lend their support by filling in the documents below.
3. Alternatively you can post your submission in hard copy to:
Major Events Coverage
Broadcasting Policy Division
Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
29-31 Adelaide Road
Dublin 2
REMEMBER THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 12th JUNE 2015
The Facts
These are the facts of the relationship between Irish Rugby and the 6 Nations broadcast rights.
The IRFU is a not-for-profit sporting organisation responsible for the funding of every aspect of the sport.
Irish Rugby's share of the pooled 6 Nations TV revenues equates to 20% of the sports' total revenue.
Irish Rugby receives approximately €14m in TV revenue from the 6 Nations. RTE pays €2.5m for the Irish broadcast rights.
All 6 Nations TV revenues have increased, except in Ireland where RTÉ cut rights fees by 22% from €3.1m to just €2.5m per annum.
A change to the designation represents the potential revenue loss of approximately €12.5m per annum to Irish Rugby.
The Consequences
A 20% reduction in Irish Rugby's revenues means a drop from €70m to €56m in available funds each year to invest in the game. What does this mean?
An inability to keep the top Irish players in Ireland.
A reduction in the number of professional players and teams in Ireland.
An inability to attract the best coaching talent to Ireland.
A reduction in investment in provincial infrastructure resulting in teams being unable to remain competitive in the PRO12 and in European competitions.
A reduction in funding in the grassroots game which affects the next generation of international stars from coming through.
The Argument
Irish Rugby is not advocating for its 6 Nations games to go on a pay-tv platform, the sport just requires a free market in which to do operate to ensure its share of current and future TV revenue is safeguarded.
Irish Rugby has successfully developed the professional game in Ireland and increased participation numbers under the status quo - why jeopardise the future of the game?
The European rugby climate is volatile and has experienced significant fall-out in the past 12-18 months. This has impacted on the future revenue streams of some of the smaller European countries.
Ireland Women's Head Coach, Adam Griggs has named the team for the opening game of the Women's Six Nations against England in Energia Park on Friday 2nd of February at 5pm.
Several Ireland paid a surprise visit to their local clubs over the weekend, dropping in to meet the minis and inlcusion teams before heading back to the Ireland camp in Maynooth yesterday.