The Irish Rugby Football Union has expressed concern over government plans to ensure major sporting events are shown on terrestrial television.

In the aftermath of the FAI's four-year �4.8 million deal with Sky Television, the Irish Government wants to prevent big fixtures being sold to subscription channels.

A draft list has been drawn up of the events the government wishes to keep on terrestrial television.

It includes Ireland's Six Nations Championship rugby matches.

Valuable asset

That has not met with the approval of the game's ruling body in Ireland.

In a statement released on Thursday, the IRFU said negotiating powers for its most valuable asset would be lessened by the move.

It said the future of rugby at all levels depended on money generated by the sale of television rights.

"The IRFU has always taken a responsible approach to the television coverage of its prime properties and will continue to do so," the statement added.

"It is important that the well-being of rugby at all levels is considered within this debate.

Seek compensation

"Should the government press forward with this recommendation, it is imperative that it ensures a responsible approach to rugby is adopted."

The government's draft list also includes the Republic of Ireland football team's European Championship and World Cup qualifiers.

These have traditionally been screened by the Irish state broadcaster RTE.

However, the Football Association of Ireland recently sold the rights for home games over the next four years to Sky.

And the FAI has insisted that the deal was still in place, despite the government's move.

The Gaelic Athletic Association said it would not sell its television rights to subscription channels.

But it would seek compensation if the Al-Ierland gaelic football and hurling finals were listed.

The Irish Government's draft list of events is:

Athletics: the summer Olympics
Football: the Republic's home and away qualifiers in the European Chamionships and World Cup, plus the European Championship and World Cup finals
Gaelic Games: the All-Ireland senior football and hurling finals
Racing: the Irish Derby and Irish Grand National
Rugby Union: Ireland's matches in the Six Nations and World Cup