In November, as Ireland careened between lockdowns, the IRFU confirmed that negotiations with 90 provincial and international players would be suspended until the new year pending an end-of-year financial review by the association. The talks have begun in recent weeks, but the impasse has created significant concern for many professional rugby players. Having already taken Covid-related pay cuts, many are now facing losing their jobs. Some will be forced to accept reduced terms. Others will move abroad. The crisis has decimated the financial model of professional sport. Rugby is no different. Like many businesses at present, the governing body of…

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