{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/64ef6d9e5464d50011bafece/682b4e31e8a66fad6dc123b8?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Were the IRFU right to cut the men’s Sevens?","description":"<p>Nearly a week on from the IRFU’s decision to cut the men’s Sevens programme, Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to debate the merits of the decision.</p><p><br></p><p>Gordon, as a former Sevens player, is well placed to offer insight on the merits of Sevens for players moving into 15s.&nbsp;John has covered the Sevens team as extensively as anyone in recent years and he offers his experience as he dwells on the decision.</p><p><br></p><p>Do rugby’s financials leave the IRFU with any other choice? Is Sevens simply a luxury which cannot be afforded? Why cut the men’s team but not the women’s?</p><p><br></p><p>Does this move place too much faith in Ireland’s academy structures, narrowing an already small talent pool? Was this decision handled in the best way possible?</p><p><br></p><p>We'd love to find out what you think of The Counter Ruck podcast and to understand a little more about our listeners.&nbsp;Please take our survey and you'll be entered into a prize draw to win a €100 One4All gift card: <a href=\"https://www.research.net/r/CounterRuckWebApp\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://www.research.net/r/CounterRuckWebApp</a></p><p><br></p><p>Produced by John Casey.</p><p><br></p>","author_name":"The Irish Times "}