Munster have confirmed a voluntary redundancy programme following losses of up to €1-million (R19.6-million) last season.
According to the Irish Times, Munster have been forced to implement urgent measures to stabilise their financial position.
The Irish club is currently on a two-match Vodacom URC tour of South Africa. They lost 45-0 to the Sharks in Durban last week and will play the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
“Munster Rugby can confirm that we have initiated a voluntary redundancy programme and have begun consultation with our staff,” read a club statement. “Revenue has trended below forecast in a challenging economic environment.”
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Up to 100 staff members are eligible for the programme, although the club hopes to avoid compulsory redundancies. Coaching and playing personnel are not directly affected.
Munster have two South Africans – Thaakir Abrahams and Jean Kleyn – contracted to the senior squad.
The financial strain follows a difficult period on and off the field. Munster failed to secure home knockout fixtures in either the URC or the Investec Champions Cup last season, significantly impacting revenue streams.
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That trend has continued this campaign, with the side again missing out on a home playoff in Europe, dropping from the prestigious Champions Cup to the EPCR Challenge Cup, and sitting sixth in the URC standings.
The Irish Rugby Football Union, meanwhile, has moved to reassure stakeholders, stating: “The IRFU works closely with all four provinces to address the shared challenges facing the game, including long-term financial sustainability.”
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
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Munster Rugby have confirmed a voluntary redundancy programme following losses of up to €1 million last season.
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