IRFU announces restructuring of All-Ireland League

The IRFU today announced a restructuring of the All Ireland League to be implemented for the start of the 2011/12 season.

Among the changes are an increase in the number of senior clubs from 48 to 52, the introduction of rolling substitutions on a trial basis, and further regulations on the use of fully contracted players by league teams.

The IRFU said the moves follow a consultation process that was begun in October 2009 with relevant stakeholders including provincial branches, clubs, the All Ireland Senior Rugby Clubs Association as well as coaches, players and referees and volunteers.

The new All Ireland structure will include:

- A Division One consisting of two sections of 10 teams each playing home and away (known as 1A & 1B). Promotion and relegation between 1A and 1B would be one automatic and one decided by play-off.

- A Division Two consisting of two sections (to be referred to as 2A & 2B) of 16 teams each playing 15 games. Promotion and relegation between 2A and 2B would be two automatic and one by play-off.

- Promotion and relegation between Division 1B and 2A would be automatic two up and two down.

The present qualifying league structure (provincial junior league winner's round robin competition) would be maintained, including the promotion and relegation system to 2B.

- 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 the All Ireland League Champions.

The IRFU also said that the number of senior clubs has been increased by four from 48 to 52, with provincial champions from next season automatically gaining senior club status.

It also said there would be an increased emphasis on playing Friday night games so as not to clash with provincial ties.

New regulations for contracted players participating in the league were also announced, with fully contracted players to be limited to playing in Division 1 only (two only per squad per match).

Fully contracted foreign players cannot play in the league, while contracted development and academy players can play in all divisions without any restrictions.

"The importance of the All Ireland League in the fabric of Irish Rugby cannot be underestimated and in these changing times, the new structures represent the need for progress of club rugby in Ireland," IRFU President John Callaghan said.

"I congratulate all of those involved and look forward to the increased competition that these new structures promise to bring."