World Cup year.

The Irish provinces can expect to see a lot less of their international stars this coming season, with the IRFU set to put a significant emphasis on player management ahead of the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Usually the provinces can expect to have their top names for the duration of the Champions/Challenge Cup, along with 7-8 outings in the PRO14. But that may change this year, with some stars expected to sit out even more PRO14 games.

Ireland will play an extra Test game this November (four in total), followed by the Six Nations, and then some warm-up fixtures ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

Speaking at UL yesterday, Munster head coach Johann van Graan says the provinces are fully aware that they won’t be able to call on their internationals as often as they’d like this season.

Van Graan said Ireland would be placing a significant emphasis on player management in the season ahead.

“It’s also a World Cup year, so player management from Ireland will be pretty important.” Van graan said.

“All credit to Joe (Schmidt) and David (Nucifora) and all of the Irish staff, we’ve been through all of that. Obviously Ireland’s important and Munster’s important too, so that communication has been brilliant.

“It’s a World Cup year. I think the good thing is that it’s the same for all four provinces. You know, they’ve got an extra Test match in November, they’ve got a 6 Nations and they’ve got a preparation for the World Cup at the end of the season, so I think the management will be key and the planning from our side will be key.

“Like I said before, the communication has been very good and we know what to plan for and hopefully injuries will be kind to us through the year and we’ve got to produce form our side as well.”