The complication arising from the Celtic League and Heineken Cup fixture list has led to the re-orgainsation of some of the AIB League matches, either by deferring them for a day or by moving the matches forward to an earlier kick-off time.

Defending AIL champions, Shannon, will open their 2004/05 league campaign by taking on Blackrock at Thomond Park as they go in search of a seventh All-Ireland crown.