THE Irish First Division Clubs Association, a body formed some time ago to pursue the interests of the clubs on diverse issues, has set up a special four man sub committee to look at the proposed contracts that will be offered to Irish players from the clubs' perspective.

The decision to set up the sub committee was taken at a meeting of the clubs last weekend. The committee will be chaired by Frank Hogan (Garryowen). The other members are Mick Keyes (Cork Constitution); Harry McKibbin (Instonians) and Kieran McLoughlin (Blackrock College).

I gather that the association will also be contacting the second division clubs with the object of formulating a policy that will be mutually beneficial.

There is great concern in the clubs about the loss of players to English clubs, a concern shared by the IRFU. Now, the Irish clubs will take action to keep their players, and indeed to induce players to return from England. For this reason, they feel they have an important input to make in relation tub the contracts the IRFU will offer. The union has stated they will offer contracts to up to loo players.

Meanwhile, there will be an extraordinary general meeting of the Munster Branch in Charleville on Monday. A central matter on the agenda will be to take into law the IBFU directives on increasing the voting powers of the junior clubs at the branch's AGM and increasing the ticket allocations to the clubs. Issues that have caused controversy in the past.

On Monday night, the branch must also change its laws governing the senior selection committee to take account of the new situation next season when each branch will have a full time director of rugby, as outlined by the IRFU.