An IRFU sub-committee conducted individual meetings with Warren Gatland, Eddie O'Sullivan and Brian O'Brien yesterday in the opening round of negotiations which will try to contract the Irish international management ticket through to the 2003 World Cup.
Mindful that the other five Six Nations coaches are contracted through to the World Cup, whereas his contract was due to expire in April of next year, Gatland had sought to ensure a similar arrangement before the batch of five autumnal internationals. However, only after those games would the IRFU agree to renew the Irish coach's contractual position. Hence, last night's initial round of talks.
Though such discussions can invariably throw up some unforeseen stumbling blocks, there should not be too many difficulties, certainly with regard to Gatland. He has stated quite clearly he wishes to complete the current World Cup cycle and then step down regardless of how Ireland perform in Australia and New Zealand.
The Irish coach, admittedly, is relatively underpaid compared to some of his Six Nations rivals, certainly when set against the £250,000 sterling Wales coach Graham Henry is reputedly earning. Indeed, even assistants currently earn more than Gatland.
Much has been made of the ambitious nature of his assistant O'Sullivan who, understandably, will want even longer job security from his employers - though increased powers within the Irish management frame or any kind of longer-term guarantees about succeeding Gatland hardly seem practical.
The IRFU chief executive Philip Browne, who will also chair the sub-committee employed to conduct these talks, has stated the union wants to sort out the management's contractual position for the 2003 World Cup before Christmas, in keeping with a policy of contracting most of the home-based players until then as well.
An IRFU spokesperson commented last night "there will be no statement following these opening discussions. This is going to take a few days. It is not a cut-and-dried thing." Nonetheless, if there are no hiccups, he didn't rule out the possibility of a statement later this week.
Tickets for the Connacht-Glasgow, Celtic League quarter-final at the Sportsground on Saturday (2 p.m.), can be purchased from the branch office or Whelan's Pharmacy, William's Gate Street. Cash will also be taken at the turnstiles. Children will be admitted free.
The Connacht supporters group, the Friends of Connacht, are holding a pre-match party on Friday night at the Menlo Park Hotel. All are welcome; a £15 entry fee will entitle guests to food, complimentary drinks sponsored by Heineken, music and lots of fun. Tickets are available at the hotel or again from the branch office or Whelan's Pharmacy. Connacht supporters are also urged to send their messages of support to the team either by e-mail to cbirfu@eircom.net or on a dedicated fax line 091-566738.
The Leinster Branch has confirmed that next Friday's Celtic League quarter-final between the province and Newport will be an all-ticket game. Tickets are on sale from the following outlets: the Leinster Branch Offices, Donnybrook, 10.30 a.m.- 4 p.m. (open during lunchtime), Club Tricot, Grafton Street and Magee @ McSharry, Wicklow Street.
A number of AIB All-Ireland League games have been pencilled in for this weekend. They are:
SATURDAY: Division One - Ballymena v Lansdowne, DLSP v Dungannon, UCD v Clontarf. Division Two - Barnhall v Ballynahinch, Belfast Harlequins v Bective Rangers, City of Derry v Sunday's Well, Dolphin v Old Belvedere, Old Crescent v UCC, Wanderers v Portadown. Division Three - Banbridge v Dublin University, Clonakilty v Naas, Connemara v Suttonians, Greystones v Bangor, Monkstown v Instonians, Corinthians v Skerries (noon).
SUNDAY: Division One - Galwegians v Shannon, Garryowen v Terenure College, St Mary's College v Cork Constitution. Division Two - Midleton v Thomond, UL Bohemians v Malone.
