AIB to end rugby sponsorship at end of season

The IRFU and AIB have announced that the AIB Bank will end their sponsorship of the AIB League and Cup competitions after the completion of this season's AIB League.

The bank has sponsored Irish club rugby for the past 13 years, but it will come to an end with the AIB League finals on May 8, 2010.

IRFU President John Callaghan said: "I would like to most sincerely thank AIB for its generous support and backing.

"The bank has been a significant partner to the IRFU during this time and an important supporter of club rugby in Ireland."

Maurice Crowley, General Manager of AIB said: "We feel that after 13 years, our sponsorship of the AIB League and Cup has come to a natural conclusion. AIB has thoroughly enjoyed its partnership with the IRFU.

"We look forward to working with them to identify a new project with which we can continue our support and development of rugby at a local level as well as continuing our very successful relationship with the IRFU."