A bit of ball-hopping for a rugby-mad nephew highlights some issues which should concern Eddie Wigglesworth, writes the Irish Times' Liam Toland.
"[IRFU director of rugby, Eddie] Wigglesworth pointed out the IRFU’s priority will always be to the national team because it generates 84 per cent of revenue at 14 per cent of total cost, while the provinces are currently responsible for 41 per cent of overall cost to the union.
"This may be true but the pendulum has swung and my nephews are rooted in their provinces. They will soon become teenagers and men, the future participants and supporters; that’s 84 per cent, if you will.
"Wigglesworth does acknowledge the province: “We have to have provincial rugby and that’s why there is never an issue about funding it. But this is about getting the balance right,” he said.
"I look forward to observing from the safety of the ditch the knock-on effect because the future supporters will become very impatient if their provinces slide in Europe."
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