The programme is aimed directly at rewarding schools and clubs for nurturing the rugby talent of players who are now part of the professional system with the Irish provinces.

The selected players represent a cross section from all four provinces and include 20 schools and clubs which have been involved in the development of players during their career. These include provincial players that have represented Ireland at various levels such as Schools, Youths, Under 19 and Under 21 levels.

The players are selected on the basis that they are all professionally full-time contracted players who have played for their province on at least eight occasions and have completed the first year of their contracts and have had it renewed for a second year.

The amount of financial reward is dependent on the period of time that each player has received coaching from either their schools and/or clubs.

The I.R.F.U. believes this programme is vital in ensuring the continuing solidarity and development of the game in Ireland at schools and club level. It is also recognition by the Union of the great volume of input, dedication and development contributed by the many thousands of volunteers the clubs and schools of Ireland.

The following playershave been selected as part of the rewards programme:

Roger Wilson David Blaney Brendan Burke Shane Jennings Adrian Clarke John O Sullivan Conor O Loughlin Conor McPhilips Maurice Lawler