IRFU announces details of new funding model including change to central contracts

The four Irish provinces are to contribute up to 30% of the cost of their players' national contracts from next season, the Irish Rugby Football Union has announced.

The move is the key change to the union’s funding model and was agreed following an external review overseen by a steering committee that consulted the provinces, Rugby Players Ireland and the IRFU.

Until now it was understood that the union paid the full cost of national contracts.

Leinster’s Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, James Ryan, Robbie Henshaw, Garry Ringrose, Josh van der Flier, Hugo Keenan and Caelan Doris; Ulster’s Iain Henderson; Connacht’s Bundee Aki, and Munster’s Tadhg Beirne are believed to be the players currently on central deals for next season, while Leinster scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park is reportedly close to a new contract.

The recommendations of the review were agreed by all parties, said the IRFU.

"A key focus of the review was to safeguard the success of the men’s national team, which generates more than 80% of IRFU annual revenues, whilst also ensuring the four provinces remain competitive," said the union.

"To support successful national and provincial teams, Irish rugby requires a strong pipeline of talent coming through the pathways of all provinces on a consistent basis.

"The IRFU remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that rugby in Ireland remains financially sustainable.

"Annual funding of approximately €40 million will be provided by the IRFU to provinces on a more transparent and equitable basis, including new incentives based on future growth of income from EPCR and URC competitions plus a new matched funding programme to help drive fundraising efforts and additional investment in the domestic game."

IRFU CEO