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Thursday, 27 September, 2001, 12:53 GMT 13:53 UK
AIB League ready to roll
Dungannon celebrated AIB League success last May
The new All Ireland League rugby season kicks-off on Saturday and despite fears that it will be of a diluted form, much interest will still be generated.
With top provincial contracted players unavailable for the start of the campaign and internationals unlikely to participate at all, clubs are having to look elsewhere to fill the gaps. But most club coaches, like Willie Anderson of last season's winners Dungannon, says that will just have to carry on. That was rubber-stamped by sponsors AIB who will back the competition for another three years.
Although the AIB League is now a third level competition in an Irish context, they will commit £2 million both directly and indirectly. "We will just have to get on with things,'' said Anderson whose side defeated 46-12 Cork Constitution in the final last May. ''We have something like 10 or 11 contracted players with Ulster. ''It is quite likely we will not see them this season," he said. "Maybe a few games, that is all. ''That is the way the league is going to progress. "If we get contracted players to play, it will be a bonus for us. ''I think it is a competitive and skilful league and it will continue to be that despite the absence of the top players. ''It is the third relevant level area of rugby in Ireland, but it will give opportunities for young players to show what they can do. ''It will certainly help them to come through the system. ''If contracted players need games to get back form or come back from injury, that is where club rugby is still very relevant," said Anderson.
There will also be a new format this season with all three leagues featuring top four play-offs with a grand finals' day at Lansdowne Road.
The usual Super 12 points scoring system will again be applied through the three divisions. Dungannon, and Ulster arch rivals Ballymena, miss out on the start as their Division One matches are re-arranged. With Munster in action against Castres at Thomond Park on Saturday, their respective openers against Garryowen and Cork Constitution have put been back to 10 November. However, there are four other Division One games with debutants Co Carlow and UCD in action. There is an Ulster derby featured in the five Division Two games. Malone, who have started the season in useful form, make the journey to Portadown, while City of Derry take on Bective at Judges Road. Belfast Harlequins, relegated last season, and Ballynahinch have also to wait to enter the competition.
In Division Three, Banbridge are at home to new boys Clonakilty and Bangor make the journey to Corinthians and Instonians face Old Wesley in Dublin. Fixtures, 29 September
Division One
Division Two
Division Three (All kick-offs 1430 BST)
Club details
Ballymena
Blackrock
Buccaneers
Clontarf
Co.Carlow
Cork Constitution
DLSP
Dungannon
Galwegians
Garryowen
Lansdowne
Shannon
St Mary's
Terenure
UCD
Young Munster
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