All-Ireland League set for major overhaul

THE All-Ireland League seems set for a major revamp from the 2007/8 season; a move the clubs hope will benefit everyone involved in domestic rugby.

A committee formed through consensus, has recommended that Division One contain just 10 clubs and that Divisions Two and Three accommodate the remaining 38 senior clubs in the country.

Under the banner of the All-Ireland Senior Rugby Clubs Association (AISRCA), the executive committee want to boost the competitive edge of club rugby, make it more attractive for supporters and, in the process, help use the top division as a better base for the nurturing of players to provincial and national levels.

The executive recognised something must be done if they are to satisfy the provincial coaches and the IRFU that the clubs can fulfil this important role. They felt it was self-evident that a Division One consisting of 16 teams was far too large in terms of the playing resources available.

They said that a smaller top division in which all the provincial contracted, and development-contracted, players could actively participate, would deliver a much more competitive and meaningful structure.

It was also recognised that promotion and relegation within the divisional structures would provide three vibrant challenging leagues, essential for the strength of senior club rugby, and the All-Ireland aspect which all 48 clubs are determined to maintain.

The plans include:

* A recommendation to reduce Division One to 10 clubs playing home and away, with divisions Two and Three having 19 clubs each playing in a straight league.

* Promotion and relegation across the three leagues on a two-up, two-down basis.

* Bottom team in Division Three relegated to junior rugby with the top team in the junior round robin promoted into the AIL.

* The second from bottom in Division Three play-off with the runner up of junior round robin at the senior club’s venue to establish the 48th club for the following season.

* If the clubs and the IRFU can agree on a structure it could be introduced in time for next season (07/08).

*The clubs were also against end of season play-offs; they feel that a competitive league format would be more than adequate to determine those clubs to be promoted and relegated.

However, they acknowledge that the sponsor of the league, AIB, deserved an end of season finals day.

To achieve this, AISRCA recommends an All-Ireland Cup (AIC) aspect to the season. This would be split in two sections; the top 24 clubs would play for the existing All-Ireland Cup with the top eight clubs receiving a first-round bye. The clubs that finish 25th to 48th would play for the All-Ireland Plate, with the top eight clubs receiving a first-round bye.