IRB consider World Cup prize money
November 21, 2000

Following a special meeting in Dublin the IRB have agreed to consider introducing prize money at the 2003 World Cup.

Amidst fears that the game's top players may hold them to ransom if they do not share out the tournament's lucrative profits the IRB have tried to play down any future confrontation or possible strike action.

The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) have tried to prevent any such player action by pressing for changes within the IRB before the issue gathers pace around the world.

ARU general manager John O'Neill told The Australian, "The IRB have said they'll consider participation monies, and at the minimum, it would need to cover the costs of the major unions."

The ARU last year forked out more than $1.2 million to prepare its team for the World Cup and only accommodation and travel were covered.

Currently, even the Cup winners receive no money for taking part.

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