Ireland’s four provinces will have to contribute 40 per cent of the cost of national player contracts from August 2026, the Irish Rugby Football Union has announced.
The cost for Connacht, Leinster, Munster and Ulster is an increase on the previous figure of 30 per cent.
The IRFU said the change is a result of a “thorough review that considered both the evolving financial landscape of Irish Rugby and the need to maintain the competitiveness of the national and provincial teams”.
It will invest the money raised into the player pathways of Connacht, Munster and Ulster.
IRFU performance director David Humphreys said: “Since last year, we have worked tirelessly with the provinces, players, and our various stakeholders to…