Tournament boost for AIB League hopefuls

The AIB League fraternity has been given further motivation to reach for the title with the announcement that the champions will be entered as the Ireland representative in the Languedoc-Roussillon amateur rugby tournament.

The tournament will run from September 3-15 during the World Cup. There will be six amateur teams involved including club sides from the Languedoc-Roussillon region itself, Ireland, Tucuman (Argentina), Romania, Catalonia (Spain) and Cambridge University.

AIB general manager Maurice Crowley said: "We are delighted to give our support to the winners of the AIB League play-off who will be representing Irish club rugby in the tournament.

"This is another exciting addition to the amateur club scene during next years Rugby World Cup and I am sure will be a wonderful occasion for the side who travels to take part."

Peter Boyle, Irish Rugby Football Union President said: "This news is another shot in the arm for the clubs in the AIB League and represents a real goal in addition to the honour of winning the AIB League Playoff. I wish all the teams the best for the rest of the season in pursuit of these goals."

The tournament will have four days of competition on September 4, 7, 11 and 14, with the final day of games taking place in Montpellier.