IRFU exploring AIL sponsorship options

SPONSORSHIP: The Irish Rugby Football Union is prepared to go it alone with the All-Ireland League in the absence of a suitable sponsorship partner, following the cessation of a long-term agreement with AIB.

But the governing body is currently in negotiations with three Irish companies who have each shown a strong interest in taking over sponsorship of the club game from next season.

IRFU commercial and marketing director Padraig Power confirmed yesterday that presentations had been made to a number of companies who had expressed an interest in sponsoring the grass roots of the game.

“We’re having discussions and working at it to find a replacement for AIB; it’s a difficult economic climate but we are making progress. This isn’t all about money (it is believed the AIB deal was worth in the region of €750,000 a year) but it is also about finding a suitable partner who will be looking to develop and promote the league on an ongoing basis.

“Hopefully we will have an agreement in place in time for next season, but one way or another we see the leagues continuing as normal.”

An announcement is also due from the IRFU in the coming days regarding changes to the structure of the AIL.

An expansion of the top two tiers to 10 clubs has reportedly been approved, as part of an overall increase from 48 to 52 senior clubs across two divisions, split into four sections.