The IRFU has welcomed the government’s $ 18 million commitment to ensure that rugby continues to operate at all levels in Ireland during the financial crisis caused by the Covid-19.

The governing body of rugby on the island of Ireland thanked the Irish Government, Ministers Catherine Martin, Jack Chambers and Sport Ireland.

The allocation comes nine days after the IRFU reported a record deficit of $ 35.7 million at its annual council meeting on July 31. This is a 15 – month accounting period as part of a redesign of the international rugby season. .

IRFU Chief Executive Philip Brown said: “The IRFU Government and Sport Ireland’s funding for Rugby is crucial to the continuation of rugby activities at all levels of our sport.

“Irish rugby is in dire financial straits as a result of Kovid-19, which was drafted for the Oriyachas Kovid-19 Committee in the coming weeks and confirmed in our recent annual report. As we move faster to cut costs and accept cuts with our staff and players, further reductions and measures are under constant review as we move from a relatively strong cash position 18 months ago to record record losses in 2020 and 2021.

We are very grateful for the support given to us by the Government and Sport Ireland throughout this epidemic, especially with today’s significant funding announcement. We acknowledge the support of our sponsors and loyal patrons who have invested in 10 and 5 year tickets.

“This support is vital to the survival of Irish rugby, as long as we can welcome our supporters back in a meaningful way, to Aviva Stadium and the provincial grounds.”