Ultimately, the fragile state of rugby in Connacht would be shattered and the recent progress achieved by the province completely undermined. Only a short time ago there were seven clubs playing the game in the province. As a direct result of the funding and development of the game, that total now stands at 40. How long will that figure be sustained if the game is being undermined by the very body responsible for its development? We will see a drain of talent from the province with English clubs and the other provinces cherry picking the best youngsters at an early age and developing them under their own systems. Connacht will no more be able to compete with these sides than an Eircom League side can compete with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United.