League revamp proves a hit with Cork Con coach Walsh

THE new Ulster Bank All Ireland League format has been welcomed by top Irish coach Brian Walsh ahead of today’s clash between his Cork Constitution side and Shannon (Temple Hill, 2.30pm).

Constitution headed the league section at the end of last season’s campaign but lost the title decider to Old Belvedere. But under the new rules and regulations the team which finishes top of their respective division will be deemed to be the divisional league champions, and the winners of Division 1A will be deemed All Ireland League champions. And Walsh feels the revamped system is more beneficial to the game.

“To be honest, the play-off system was a step too far in a club game that is struggling to capture the public imagination. With so much other rugby going on, stretching out the season for another couple of weeks wasn’t doing the players, the clubs or the sponsors any good. The season was too long, so it is a better format.