This change is Central to the IRFU's future plans

UNION EXPLAINS WHY CONTRACTED ACES WILL COST PROVINCES MORE NEXT YEAR

- DEREK FOLEY

THE IRFU is set to ‘charge’ the provinces an extra 10 percent for the use of centrally contracted players from 2026/27.

The new contribution will total 40 percent of the players’ gross salary - previously the provinces were required to pay 30 percent.

The rugby body keeps around 15 players on international contracts with skipper Caelan Doris and tighthead Tadhg Furlong at the top end of the scale, earning circa €400-€450,000 before bonuses a year.

Others such as Hugo Keenan, Bundee Aki, Andrew Porter, Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan and 2022 World Player of the Year Josh van der Flier are in the €300-€400k bracket.

A third strata of €200-300k comprises Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, Jamison Gibson-Park, Dan Sheehan and Joe McCarthy who was added as recently as early March.

The change in levy will see Leinster contributing close to €1.5m to central coffers the season after next, Connacht chipping in €250k and Munster €160k. Ulster don't currently have a centrally contracted player.