Ireland’s mixed form on the pitch is of limited concern compared to the financial perils facing clubs at all levels in the country, according to George Hook in the Irish Independent.
"It has been difficult to concentrate on rugby this past week. There was something strange about watching 30 grown men brawling for a pigskin when the country was being reduced to a feudal state of Europe. So far, and it may only be temporary, rugby has partially avoided the worst of the economic calamity. However, the full effects cannot be long in coming.
The IRFU's well-meaning policy of selling tickets through its constituent clubs was laudable and endeavoured to put the tickets in the hands of people who contributed to the game.
However, an ill-advised pricing plan based on the experience of different economic times has created a financial catastrophe for clubs. Anecdotal evidence suggests that even junior clubs are carrying losses of up to €50,000 on unsold tickets for the autumn campaign just ended.
There is a suggestion of an indemnity from the IRFU but as yet it remains unclear as to how it will work. Either way, the losses will either appear on the books of the clubs or the parent body.
Rugby, as the IRFU consistently reminded minister Eamon Ryan in the free-to-air debate, is Ireland's only professional sport. With an election on the way, the government will have more important fish to fry than worrying about what television channel hosts international rugby. The powers that be in Lansdowne Road will be able to plan on a continuing revenue stream from broadcasting rights but other revenues will be under pressure.
As of this week, every club contacted by this newspaper was willing to sell its international tickets to the highest bidder. Club officials had simply no faith that members would stump up for even reduced-price tickets, the IRFU's belated reaction to the November shambles. Honorary treasurers up and down the country were frantic to offload a possible financial headache. France may have been exciting opponents in the glory days, but the prospect of a full house for Marc Lievremont's team was deemed unlikely."
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