Former Scotland coach Matt Williams believes that the IRFU’s new investment policy for the four provinces poses a “real danger” for Irish Rugby.

Earlier this month, the Irish Rugby Football Union announced changes to its funding model, which included an update to the contribution required from the four Provinces towards the cost of National Player Contracts.

From August 2026, Connacht, Leinster, Munster and Ulster will be responsible for 40% of the cost of National Player Contracts, up from the previously set 30%.

A statement confirming the news stated that the change came after a thorough review that considered the financial landscape of Irish Rugby and the need to maintain the competitiveness of the National and Provincial teams.

The IRFU intends to invest funds generated by this change in the Player Pathways of Connacht, Munster and Ulster.

“Real danger for Irish rugby”

This new policy will have a particularly significant impact on Leinster, who currently have 11 of the 14 centrally contracted players on their payroll.

“If the money is wisely invested, it is a reasonable concept,” Williams remarked in his Irish Times column.

“However, the policy has the possibility of real danger for Irish rugby.

“The IRFU must ensure the policy implements the old saying that ‘a rising tide lifts all boats’.

“While raising the standards of the other three provinces is essential for the good of Irish rugby, of equal importance is that the policy does not drag Leinster down.

“If Leinster’s performances were to deteriorate, then so too would the Irish national team.

“The money must not be spent on buying overseas players for Ulster, Munster and Connacht. The long term goal of the policy must be to improve the quality of players graduating from all the provincial academies. Including Leinster’s.”

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Weakness in all four academies

Williams added that he believes that Leinster “continue to defy the odds” with their successful culture, which has seen overseas talents thrive, with foreign talent not nearly as impactful at the other three provinces.

While Leinster dominates in the URC and Champions Cup, he feels that the underwhelming performances from the other teams suggest that Irish Rugby is “in decline”.

“The weakness inside all four Irish academies is the lack of staff with professional game experience to educate the developing players,” he added.

“While I have the greatest of respect for Ireland’s hard working academy coaches, we need more coaches with professional team experience and deep technical knowledge to educate the future generations.

“Some old, gnarled rugby souls, with a deep understanding of what it takes to be a successful professional, are required to better educate the academy system.”

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Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/matt-williams-irish-rugby-appears-to-be-in-decline-and-new-policy-cannot-drag-down-leinster