RUGBY NEWS:THE IRISH provinces are behind the proposal and so is Celtic Rugby, the company that runs the Magners League, so it is now up to the Italian Rugby Federation to produce a financially viable business plan, outlining their entry into the competition for the 2010/11 season.
Two franchises, based in Milan and Rome, will divvy up the best home-based Italian players in a venture that is sure to strengthen the newest and undoubtedly weakest team in the Six Nations.
“It is due to be discussed at this week’s board meeting (in London),” said David Jordan, Director of Celtic Rugby. “We are willing to listen to the Italian proposal but need to be certain it is not to the detriment of our competition. There must be commercial value, I can’t put a figure on it but with travel expenses to increase it must not decrease our current revenue stream.
“They will need to bring in a TV partner. It is a very complex situation and the current teams will need to see a detailed response (from Italian rugby) and verification of this.
“The Italians are pushing hard for inclusion as soon as next season but Celtic Rugby won’t be rushed. Entry by next season would be difficult to achieve. It is up to the Celtic unions to decide on the merit of it. Remember it took a long time for Italy to get into the Six Nations.”
The Irish Timescontacted all four provincial chief executives yesterday and they were unanimous, in principle, about the positive effect two new teams could have on the current Magners League. There are, however, two significant provisos from Ulster, Munster, Connacht and Leinster.
No revenue loss, even in the short term, and increased funding for expanded squads to counter the loss of international players during the November internationals and Six Nations (it is generally accepted that extra Magners League fixtures will be played off in these windows).
“I understand there is a proposal (from the Celtic League board) for the Italian teams to come in in Autumn 2010,” said Munster CEO Garrett Fitzgerald. “I would be supportive of the idea in principal but we are unaware of the final details regarding the television deal and advertising revenue. Also, it may require provinces with heavy commitments to national squads to broaden squad numbers as extra games would probably be played in November and during the Six Nations.
“There is no direct flight to Italy from Munster and factor in that it will be mid-winter so it is hard to make any comment until we see the final details.”
There will be an IRFU representative at this week’s London meeting, while union committee member John Hussey is the current chairman of Celtic Rugby.
Leinster CEO Mick Dawson said: “Development is good for the competition and with play-offs coming at the end of next season this will bring the Magners League on again. There is a political will for this to happen and I believe the Welsh clubs are also keen.
“The only caveat would be that the extra revenue goes to the provinces to increase squad numbers to counter the loss of internationals and maintain the competition’s credibility. But more games should mean more revenue.”
Meanwhile, in this period of player recruitment and contract negotiations, Fitzgerald revealed that Munster have “no major signings planned at the moment” despite the departure of Rua Tipoki, Freddie Pucciarello, Anthony Horgan, Frankie Sheahan and Brian Carney.
“We will be promoting from within in most cases.”
Ulster chairman Michael Reid said they will announce the signing of a hooker, lock and backrow in the coming weeks. Jeremy Davidson is already confirmed to be moving home from Castres as forwards coach.
