The seven Ireland stars whose contracts are set to expire in 2021
One of Ireland’s leading rugby agents has warned that a number of the country’s major stars have yet to secure their futures as the IRFU continue to hold off on contract discussions amid the coronavirus pandemic. Former Leinster winger Niall Woods, who now works as an agent for Navy Blue, said it is a stressful time of the year for players with the Union seemingly reluctant to get contracts rubber stamped given the current financial climate.
The Christmas period is usually a busy window for contract negotiations in Ireland, but a number of key players who are out of contract at the end of the season have yet to secure their futures.
Keith Earls, Jonathan Sexton, Cian Healy, Iain Henderson, CJ Stander, Tadhg Furlong and Peter O’Mahony will all be out of contract in June 2021.
“We’re just six or seven months away and there’s no idea what’s going on,” Woods told The Irish Times.
“Clubs in the UK and France are doing a bit of recruitment, but the IRFU are still not letting provinces negotiate.
“Particularly older players, with a wife and kids, carrying more responsibility, need some order soon. It’s harder for them than the single men or youngsters coming up the ranks.
“By this time of the year I’d have about eight to 10 contracts complete, but I’ve none now.
“This is across the board though, there’s no recruitment at all. It will be a stressful few months for many, but it’s confusing because English and French clubs are starting to make moves. People are saying we can’t do this or that with Covid – but if others can, why can’t we?”
“Close to 90 (players) will be out of contract this June. There’s probably only close to 200 contracts across the country, but it’s hard to know because they’re not all made public, some are development contracts etc, so it’s hard to know . . . but either way it’s a large percentage who will be wondering what’s happening.”
In response to Woods’ comments, the IRFU commented: “The IRFU and Rugby Players Ireland confirm that we are in continuing dialogue about a range of Covid issues, including how best to proceed with contracting of players in light of IRFU financial uncertainty.”
The IRFU have been hit hard by the global health pandemic, and the Union’s recent annual report announced a deficit of €35.7million. Twelve months previously the IRFU had recorded its best ever financial year, reporting a surplus of over €28m.
Due to rugby politics, France will field a weakened side in the Autumn Nations Cup final, but England scrumhalf Ben Youngs is still expecting a tough test.https://t.co/JbwqWGbRLU
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 30, 2020
In September, IRFU CEO Philip Browne warned that the professional game in Ireland would be under major threat if supporters continue to be locked out of stadiums in 2021.
IRFU Performance Director David Nucifora is set to speak to the media later today, where the subject of player contracts is sure to be discussed.
Comments on RugbyPass
Four Kiwis in that backline. A solid statement on the lack of invention, risk-taking and joy in the NH game; game of attrition and head- banging tedium. Longterm medical problems aplenty in the future!
1 Go to commentsGood article, I learnt quite a lot. A big sliding door moment was in the mid 00s when they rejected Steve Anderson's long term transformation and he wrote Ireland's strategy instead.
2 Go to commentsHi Dr Nick! I'm worried that I've started to enjoy watching England and have actually wanted them to win their last two games. What would you prescribe? On a more serious note, I've noticed that the standard of play in March is often better than early February. Do you think this is because of the weather or because the players have been together for longer?
9 Go to commentsMy question in all this brett is who is going to wear the consequences of these actions? Surely just getting the sack isn’t sufficient? A teenager working the till at woolies would probably get taken to court if they took $20 out of the till. You mean to tell me that someone can spend $2.6 million and get away with it? Where was it spent? What companies/people were the beneficiaries etc? How is it just being talked about as an ‘oopsie’ and we all just move on and not a matter of the court for gross negligence, fraud, take your pick…
18 Go to commentslove Manu too but England have relied on him coming back from injury for far too long and not sorted the position with someone else long term . It will be a blessing he has gone . Huge shame he was so injury prone . God speed Manu .
3 Go to commentsI agree with Ben Smith about Brett Cameron. The No. 6 position has to be a monster and a genuine lineout option, like Ollivon, Lawes (now Chessum), Du Toit, etc. The only player who fits that bill right now is Scott Barrett. A fit and fizzing Tuipolotu together with one of the young towers, Sam Darry or Josh Lord, would give Razor the freedom to play Barret at 6.
15 Go to commentsOutstanding article, Graham. Agree with all of it. And enjoy the style of writing too (particularly Grand Slap!).
2 Go to commentsI wouldn't pay a cent for that loafer. He just stands around, waiting for play to come his way. He won't make the Wallabies.
1 Go to commentsGood bit of te reo maori Nic. Or is that Niko or Nikora? On the theme of trees the Oaks v Totara. Game plan would be key. I have one but it would cost you.
9 Go to comments> Shaun Edwards’ You should not have to score 30 points to win a game, as exciting as it is. This statement was surprising to me. It is nonsensical .I guess it is a defence coach speaking. But head coach, defence and attacking coaches all work together. They are inseparable. You score more than the opposition to win. It only needs to be one score. You score whatever the game demands, whatever the opposition demand. You defend whatever it takes. The attack coach needs to be able to clock up 30pts if need be.
9 Go to commentsWho’d have thought, not having Farrell & Youngs kicking the ball at every possible opportunity and playing flat and allowing your centres to run and pass would pay off? No one could possibly have seen this coming. FML. It took a LONG time coming but at least that time has finally come. England need to find a backup to Lawrence. Freeman is the best candidate for me, I see no reason why he can't play 12. He's big, strong, fast and has great hands.
9 Go to commentsLove Manu but he's not the player he was and I imagine Bayonne have paid too much money for him.
3 Go to commentsNew Zealand have not beaten England since 2018 and even that was a pretty close shave.
1 Go to comments“a renewed focus on Scottish-qualified players” Scottish-qualified is another way of saying English. England has development more players for the Scotland national Rugby team in the last 4 years, than Scotland has.
2 Go to commentsThis sounds a lot like the old Welsh rugby proverb “Wales never lose. Other teams just score more points.”
5 Go to commentsFinally,at last, Borthwick has done what the whole of England have been crying out for. Ditch the kick chase and let the players have freedom to attack and run with the ball. It was great to see. Ford played really well and for the first time in ages was 5 yards closer to the gainline which then allowed a more attacking position . Pity it has taken 90 odd caps to do so. However, this has to continue and not be a false dawn . One issue. Marcus. With Ford having one really good game in 5 ,is he the answer long term . Smith puts bums on seats and is terrific to watch . How can you leave him out before he departs for France in disillusion . England are in danger of Simmons , Alex Goode , Cipriani , Mercer and now Smith being unable to get a selection ahead of “favourites” of the management regardless of form . Great to see England play so well .
2 Go to commentsCockerill was an abrasive player in the mould of a Georgian front rower who will have the respect of that pack. Looking forward to seeing what he can do with this exciting team, hopefully they can send a message to unions like Wales that money alone doesn't buy you wins.
2 Go to commentsI like the look of those July matches. Hopefully they'll get some good tests in November too.
2 Go to commentsThis is a poor article, essentially just trolling six nations teams
22 Go to commentsConnaught man? How you can write that without blushing.
6 Go to comments