Irelands top stars are unlikely to feature in Celtic League games in Wales and Scotland next term as the IRFU look to limit the number of games played by their test squad.
In an effort to restrict their top players to 25 games a season the IRFU have produced, in co-operation with the provinces, a colour coded fixture list – with away Celtic League games given lowest priority – which means under strength sides travelling to leagues games in mainland Britain.
This further brings into question the Irish sides' commitment to the league and will disappoint both fans and commercial managers in Scotland and Wales.