Existing format of AIL to be scrapped

News: The IRFU Committee last night made the momentous decision to scrap the AIB All-Ireland League as it currently exists after next season.

Instead, the clubs will revert to provincial leagues in the 2005-6 season before Christmas, which will serve as qualifiers for a much curtailed, three-division AIL structure in the second half of the season.

The decision will be interpreted by most clubs as sounding the death knell for the club game in this country, though the matter is unlikely to end there and could well lead to all-out war between the union and the clubs.

Possibilities being discussed are recourse to legal action on the premise that not all the 24-man union committee, which is believed to have had a three-to-one majority last night, adhered to club mandates, or alternatively to look at forming a breakaway league.

Wally Morrissey, chairman of the Irish First Division Clubs' Association, reacted with astonishment to the announcement late last night. "I am horrified and shocked by the decision. It is a backward step for club rugby in Ireland, there's no doubt about that. The first division clubs will be meeting within the next 10 days, to review the situation and decide what action can be taken."

Last night's statement by the union was somewhat vague regarding the precise details of what they are proposing.

"The union has decided that the competition model will be based on the operation of strong provincial leagues, which will lead to the formation of a Division One, Two and Three AIB League structure on an annual basis. In reaching this decision, the union committee took cognisance of extensive feedback received through the Consultative Strategic Process and the clubs themselves."

It is believed that final placings next season will decree how many places each province will have in a three-tiered divisional structure of 12, 18 and 18 teams.