Interesting article on Irish Examiner regarding club structure in Ireland

theKramer

Found this article on de-paper, boy Think it will finally happen?

Millar urges club overhaul

By Barry Coughlan
IRISH rugby is heading for a major overhaul once the IRFU completes an detailed examination of the domestic game.


Newly-appointed president John Lyons has pledged to act on observations made by ex-International Rugby Board (IRB) chairman Syd Millar at last weekend’s AGM of the union.

Millar expressed serious concern for the future of club rugby and the vibrancy of the provincial game, as well as the proper development of young players by saying: “Maybe it’s time for us to go back and smell the grass again.”

His primary worry is about the future of club rugby in all four provinces, concern based on the experience of his home club Ballymena.

He reiterated the widely held view that the current club structure was flawed, with too many first division outfits battling for the services of not enough high quality players — a talent pool that has decreased since the expansion of the provincial role in the Irish game.

His concern is that there should only be 10 or 11 first division clubs instead of 16, and that many clubs are struggling financially because of the financial outlay needed to stay involved in national competition.

He is also worried about the effect on clubs who don’t have enough access to the many players involved with the provinces at academy or development levels.

He says that provinces place too much emphasis on A matches that he feels don’t cater fully for the necessary development of younger players.

It’s time, he insists, to fully examine the impact that a divorce from club activity is having on those players, the clubs and on rugby in general in Ireland.

Millar acknowledges that the provincial academies have a role to play in the development of the game, but worries that a weakened club structure will ultimately seriously damage the game nationwide, if it hasn’t already done so.

“The schools and clubs have always had a huge role to play in Irish rugby; I’m concerned now that there is an erosion taking place because youngsters involved in the academies are not encouraged to line out with their clubs.

“I believe that is a mistake; young players need to get a proper grounding and perspective that the clubs would surely provide. I, and others, am concerned that some players are spending too much time sitting on the bench for provincial squads when they would be better off getting game time for their clubs.

“I’m not fully convinced of the value of A games; not convinced that it’s the right structure for the players. It’s not always best for developing players to be confined to playing against guys the same age; sometimes, particularly when it’s carefully managed, there is more benefit to be gained by taking on different challenges. Players can get that at club level,” he said.

The key, he emphasised, is providing players with the opportunity to experience different standards of play in as organised a manner as possible.

Millar placed a serious reexamination of the All-Ireland League as a priority on his wish-list. Indeed, he believes change must be made even without the approval of all of the clubs if necessary.

Over the years, the clubs and the IRFU have been involved in several rounds of talks geared to the promise of change. But constant bickering has held up progress and Millar suggests it is for the governing body to steer the ship.

“I’m not telling the union or the clubs what to do, but there are clear indications that change is necessary. Many clubs are strapped for cash; it’s clear that there are too many competing at national level and it’s not really good for anyone.

“It’s vital for the club structure to prosper; you only have to look at Munster and what was achieved there on the back of massive pride in club rugby. It’s crucial that this continues throughout the rest of the country for the benefit of all concerned.

“The IRFU run the game in Ireland; maybe it’s time to grasp the nettle. We need to examine the game from top to bottom on a regular basis; now seems to be the time to do that.

“Decisions will have to be made and some of them will be hard, but if it’s for the betterment of the game then they just might have to be taken.”

Millar said he was encouraged by the immediate response of Lyons to his observations at last week’s meeting. “I’m confident that the Union will follow this matter up and treat it very seriously and as a matter of urgency.”

toomevara

No doubt that there are serious problems with the club game in Ireland. Those problems are mirrored in the other celtic nations. I'd hate to se the irish club game go the way of scotland where its virtually wiped out, but the provincial system actively mitigates against the club game...we just don't seem to have the player base or level of spectator interest to revitalise the game at grassroots level...

dub_skav

That article seemed to be hinting that the IRFU (the same organisation that gave Eddie a contract before the World Cup) should make decisions without approval from the clubs?
So we'll have all the old boys clubs in a closed shop first division with no room for non-traditional or up and coming clubs - sounds dangerous and stupid to me.

Reducing the number of teams isn't a bad idea in itself, I just don't trust the IRFU to do it

Snickers Man

Having a smaller First Division does not mean the same as a "Closed shop of old boys' clubs". As long as you have automatic promotion and relegation the quality will find its way up and down.

psicic

Was a club structure of divisions with automatic promotion and relegation really what was suggested, though? I wouldn't really trust the IRFU to manage anything without returning to the vested interests of the old boys network, unless they specifically made that clear in advance.

I'm not big into the (Irish) club rugby scene and, to be honest, not a lot is being done to draw my attention to it. I am aware of it's importance (theoretical or otherwise) to the Provinces.

As far as I can make out, what yer man from the 'Tarf (Peter Walsh) said made a whole lot of sense. While I have no doubt there was probably more to Syd Millar's speech, perhaps John Lyons would do well to read Peter Walsh's personal manifesto.

dub_skav

Snickers Man wrote: »

Having a smaller First Division does not mean the same as a "Closed shop of old boys' clubs". As long as you have automatic promotion and relegation the quality will find its way up and down.

There may well be promotion and relegation, but how do you think the initial clearout will take place?
I don't believe the IRFU would allow the risk of saying the top 10/11 teams in year X stay up and everybody else goes down, then after that we have a 1 up 1 down system.
They would probably push for the same old clubs with all the "history" to make up the division initially getting all the interlopers relegated, then with a 1 up 1 down system (with there being less revenue in 2nd Division, so the team up are more likely to go down the next season) will mean it will take many years to break the cosy cartel.

I know this is all just my cynicism speaking and no hard facts, but I have no reason to trust the IRFU to do anything more equitable