Walsh: Big question is where does AIL fit into our national structure?

Former Cork Constitution coach Brian Walsh reckons the All-Ireland League is “still riddled with issues” as it fights to maintain relevance in a packed Irish rugby calendar.

The IRFU’s most recent strategic plan stresses “both the professional and domestic strands of Irish rugby are mutually dependent on each other” but Walsh — who spent a decade coaching with Con and railed against the IRFU over a number of issues — says he isn’t sure where the Ulster Bank League will fit in the long-term national structure.

“I wouldn’t be against change, if there’s a strategy behind it,” he said. “The league has been going through a review process, and lots of things have changed. The financial side — sponsorship and travel — has become extremely difficult which has an impact at all levels. It has to be tied to the ambition of a particular club, and the level at which they want to operate. But the big question is where the AIL fits into our national structure.”