After all, the lifespan of a top-level professional rugby player is not that long, which is why the situation between the IRFU and RPI is quite messy. They stand for every professional player in Ireland, which means they must do what's best for those for whom a 20 per cent pay cut would decimate their wage. A similar ploy was used in March when the IRFU agreed a wage deferral scheme, but there is a big difference between a pay deferral and a pay cut. Come Monday morning, Irish rugby is facing the very welcome prospect of having all four provinces back in some form of training. The sun may shine then once again, but before an agreement is eventually reached between the IRFU and RPI, further dark clouds appear inevitable.

Source: Irish Independent June 25, 2020 01:32 UTC