Willie banking on taking Connacht to new levels

Talking Sport with Stephen Glennon

A seismic shift in the IRFU’s approach to Connacht Rugby would appear to have taken place with newly appointed Connacht CEO Willie Ruane highlighting Irish rugby HQ’s support has been second to none in recent times, underlined by the major investment they have made.

While the former Galwegians and Connacht full-back says he is not privy to the particulars surrounding relations between the two prior to his appointment six weeks ago, he maintains from what he has seen over the Summer, the IRFU’s commitment to Connacht Rugby has been significant.

“In fairness, the IRFU has been super in their support,” reiterates the Ballina native. “They have provided further investment into Connacht, in addition to developing our strength and conditioning facilities. From their perspective, they obviously want to see Connacht providing players into the national squad.”

Given the uneasy and often precarious exchanges between the IRFU and Connacht Rugby in the past – in 2002 the IRFU sought to have the professional game in the province disbanded – this would certainly represent a monumental shift in terms of their support for professional rugby in the West of Ireland.

“I don’t know. All I can say is from the moment I have been involved, the IRFU’s support has been super. But it is a two-way street. We need to make sure that we’re also looking to engage with the IRFU and that the IRFU are looking to engage with us.”

To this end, Ruane – who takes over the College Road position after being a Director within Ulster Bank’s Business Restructuring Division – stresses it is vital that Connacht, which it has been reported has a financial deficit, continues to grow its revenue stream and not just be relying on outside influences.

“We have a very sound funding structure at the moment but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be growing it,” he continues. “That is up to Connacht. Connacht needs to do that. The IRFU has played their part and their support has been very significant for us. That support has also been off the pitch as well.”

Indeed, since he arrived, he highlights a number of key figures have already visited Galway to lend their support, including IRFU CEO Phillip Browne; Chairman of the IRFU Management Committee, Finbarr Crowley; National Performance Director David Nucifora; Ireland Head Coach Joe Schmidt; IRFU’s Head of Fitness Dave Clarke; and IRFU’s Head of Medical Services, Dr Rod McLoughlin.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.