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With the new Rugby Champions Cup set to increase revenue streams for the wealthy French and English clubs, the Irish provinces may have to become accustomed to more of an underdog role.
To talk about the future of the likes of Leinster, Munster and Ulster in the new reality within European rugby, we were joined by always on a Wednesday by Keith Wood and Gerry Thornley.
Citing Munster's decline since '09 and Leinster's need to adjust after the departures of Joe Schmidt, Isa Nacewa and Jonny Sexton, Gerry was downbeat about the Irish provinces prospects in the new financial era.
"Money talks now in sport like never before," said Gerry, using European football as an example. "What the Irish provinces have done over the last few years has been miraculous. But now you've got Canal Plus being threatened by beIN sport which means Canal Plus have more than doubled the money for the Top 14. The French federation has given each French club in the Top 14 a €2 million loyalty bonus for pledging themselves to the new agreement. The English clubs have upped their salary cap and allowed themselves one marquee signing each and they've also had the luxury of a new TV company coming on board, namely BT Sport. So these are all changed circumstances from seven or eight years ago. And then there's the biggest one of all!"
Leinster players celebrate winning the Heineken Cup Final ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Gerry talked about the impact that rich benefactors have made in the Top 14 and the Aviva Premiership, something Irish sports cannot compete against on an equal footing.
But he did add that the lack of a rich benefactor had one distinct benefit for Irish rugby even though he believes the provinces should be worried to an extent.
However Keith believes that the academy players should be playing more club rugby than they are at present as the provinces cannot compete financially with the French and English.
He also feels it is the end of a generation after so much success.
Keith and Gerry also analyzed Munster's defeat to Toulon and you can listen to the full chat via the podcast.
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