Financial issues still to be resolved as AIL begins makeover

THE All-Ireland League kicks off today with the promise of a new dawn for the top clubs struggling to survive in a changed world.

But recent IRFU initiatives geared to help them overcome financial and other difficulties will be on trial in the coming months, when the big clubs seek to resolve a number of issues.

The decision to divide Division One of the AIB League into two eight teams sections has been broadly welcomed, but the clubs will insist on further structural changes to allow the flagging competition to prosper.