A few thoughts on it.
1. You cannot expect fellas in AIL to be able to safely step up to professional game in the front row.
2. Restrictions are understandable from top-down, but aren't the be all and end all. A medical joker for a few weeks is not stopping development of the next Tagh Furlong.
3. Instead of the AIL, the other provinces should be forced to present a list of their front row players in ranked order. The last on the list in the specific position is asked* to move for either duration of season or duration of cover. Pay for the period is doubled. (As they are likely to be on academy contracts, its no biggie financially for IRFU).
4. Once again exposes the real structural problem in Irish rugby. The gap between provinces and AIL is too large. Whether the market exists for a 8 or 10 team franchise league (think ITM cup) is another question.
* carrot being money and chance for first team games. stick being their existing deal unlikely to be renewed if they don't.
1. You cannot expect fellas in AIL to be able to safely step up to professional game in the front row.
2. Restrictions are understandable from top-down, but aren't the be all and end all. A medical joker for a few weeks is not stopping development of the next Tagh Furlong.
3. Instead of the AIL, the other provinces should be forced to present a list of their front row players in ranked order. The last on the list in the specific position is asked* to move for either duration of season or duration of cover. Pay for the period is doubled. (As they are likely to be on academy contracts, its no biggie financially for IRFU).
4. Once again exposes the real structural problem in Irish rugby. The gap between provinces and AIL is too large. Whether the market exists for a 8 or 10 team franchise league (think ITM cup) is another question.
* carrot being money and chance for first team games. stick being their existing deal unlikely to be renewed if they don't.
