Threat to future of Connacht team 'unacceptable'
A senior Connacht official has described as "unacceptable" an alleged threat to disband the Irish province for financial reasons.
Connacht's future is in doubt as the cash strapped Irish Rugby Football Union assess possible cutbacks. Although the IRFU have not confirmed that Connacht are in danger, Galway-based players and officials are gravely concerned.
Despite the uncertain backdrop, Connacht gave themselves a fighting chance of securing Parker Pen Challenge Cup semi-final status. They fought back admirably from 15 points adrift, meaning that Pontypridd will take a 35-30 advantage into next weekend's quarter-final second leg at Sardis Road.
"The Connacht players had to prepare against a shameful and disgraceful background of a threat to their very existence," said Connacht secretary John Power.
"The whole of Ireland should be cheering us, not trying to bring us down. We understand the Irish Rugby Football Union's position and we are willing to play our part - but we are very fearful. The elimination of the Connacht side is unacceptable."
A statement issued on the Connacht players' behalf added: "We feel that the timing of this is appalling. The future has never been as bright for rugby in Connacht before. It just does not make sense to cut it all at this stage."
Philip Browne, chief executive of the IRFU, played a straight bat to questions about Connacht's future but underlined the current financial position.
"The situation is not so much to do with Connacht as to do with the finances of the Irish Rugby Football Union and Irish rugby," he said. "We are currently living well beyond our means and we really have to take measures to ensure that we live within our means.''
