The IRFU claims plans suggested by Minister for Communications Eamon Ryan would cost the sport’s governing body €12 million, 18 per cent of its annual income, and cause long-term damage to the game in Ireland.
“If we do not have the money to invest in our sport, and especially to be successful at professional level, everything else unravels as popularity declines,” said IRFU chief executive Philip Browne.
“Rugby is highly accessible and growing under our stewardship and in partnership with the Six Nations, European Rugby Cup, Magners League and the International Rugby Board.
“Together we are confident we will continue to grow the sport as evidenced by the last 10 years but with a balanced approach that ensures Irish rugby maximises its value for the benefit of supporters across the island - North and South. That means a mix of free-to-air and pay-per-view platforms.
“We have been developing our commercial platform for over 10 years now and have no idea how the Minister thinks that greater viewership - which is a questionable proposition in itself - will yield €12 million to us.”
Currently only delayed coverage of the Six Nations is protected for free-to-air broadcast.
