Bandon move prompts warning

THE MUNSTER Branch of the IRFU has warned any clubs who fail to fulfil their fixtures that they risk forfeiture. The ultimatum has been issued in light of Bandon RFC's intimation that it is unwilling to participate in the Munster Junior Club Challenge Cup semi final against Nenagh Ormond scheduled for Thomond Park on Sunday, and the suspicion that other clubs are poised to adopt a similar approach.

Bandon's decision to halt all rugby playing activities was taken in light of a recent court judgment which ruled that an ex captain, Barry Walsh, was not a member of the club at the time he was seriously injured, paving the way for the player to proceed further with an action for damages.

The judgment raised serious questions about the issue of liability and, it is believed, a number of other clubs, among them Tralee and Midleton, are also examining the implications of the ruling and the current confusion over full insurance cover.

Following the ruling, the Munster Branch advised clubs to ensure the correct registration procedures are followed and that subscriptions are up to date. It warned that a player may not be covered by the club's insurance policies if all the procedures were not adhered to.

The executive committee of Bandon BFC stated on Wednesday that "it has now become apparent to our club, as a result of this judgment, that there is a real risk to the club its trustees, its members and all persons associated with the club in being exposed to defending an action for negligence in the event of an injured player suing for injuries received whilst playing for that club (these injuries being outside the IRFU Compulsory Cover Scheme) we regret that until such time as the insurance position is clarified, we will not be in a position to put our members, players and other associated persons at any further risk."

Bandon took the decision to cease all rugby activities at adult and underage level until the situation is resolved. However, the indications are that the players are keen to fulfil the fixture on Sunday and another meeting of the executive was held last night to further discuss the matter and also to consider the new correspondence from the Munster Branch, which warned clubs who failed to line out for matches that they risk forfeiting them.