Union controlled rugby

by Chunky Norwich Tue 16 Sep 2014, 9:30 am

First topic message reminder :

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/european-cup/sexton-agreement-with-denis-o-brien-confirms-irfu-s-strategy-1.1929917

I thought the idea of Union controlled teams, central contracts and branches was that everything flowed under the Union. Why then, if this model is the model to follow, is there still a need for private investors to be paying for the best players to stay in a Union controlled nation?

Jonathan Sexton’s commercial agreement with Denis O’Brien, which played a significant role in bringing the Ireland outhalf back to Leinster next season, confirms the new IRFU strategy of keeping hold of their most precious commodities.

Basically, the provinces can now top up central contracts with private funding.

The first deal of this kind was brokered last January by Jamie Heaslip’s agent, Damien O’Donohoe of Ikon. This was allowed to avoid the loss of another marquee Irish player following Sexton signing for Racing Metro 92. Heaslip was able to spurn the advances of Toulon while maintaining his status as the highest-paid player in Irish rugby when Leinster chief executive Mick Dawson arranged for him to become a Bank of Ireland brand ambassador.

This saw Heaslip sell his image rights to secure a contract believed to be worth close to €600,000, presuming the number eight plays a certain number of games each season and achieves other targets, aligned to team success.

Approximately 10 per cent of Heaslip’s salary is funded by Leinster’s main sponsor

by SecretFly Thu 18 Sep 2014, 2:54 pm

The Queen isn't just visiting.... she's thinking of moving Buckingham's gold nameplate to Cork for fishing purposes.

Union controlled rugby

Union controlled rugby

Re: Union controlled rugby