IRFU Apologise to An tUachtarain, Mary McAleese

Following on from the incident prior to the start of the RBS Six Nations game at Lansdowne Road, the IRFU has sent a letter of apology to An tUachtarain, Mary McAleese.

In a statement issued today (Monday 31st March), the IRFU has also written to the Rugby Football Union about the incident that was sparked by English captain Martin Johnson’s refusal to line his side up in the allocated place for the pre-match presentation of the teams.

The statement read,
“The President of the IRFU, Mr. Don Crowley has written to An tUachtarain, Mary McAleese to apologise for the embarrassing position in which she was placed by the failure of the England team to follow established and communicated protocol during the presentation of the teams prior to Sunday’s RBS Six Nations Championship match at Lansdowne Road.

“The IRFU has also written to the Rugby Football Union to express their concern and unhappiness that An tUachtarain was placed in such an embarrassing situation.

“The RFU has indicated to the IRFU that they will be sending a letter of unreserved apology.”