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AIL 2009/2010

  • 15-05-2009 10:42am
    #1
    glanman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,860 ✭✭✭


    Hi, I am wondering after the changes to the AIL next year is there more changes to the structure or is it staying the same? I have read somewhere that there is changes but I couldn't find details.

    Also, when is the A cup kicking in and who is competing?


Comments

  • #2
    Digifriendly
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,081 ✭✭✭Digifriendly


    glanman wrote: »
    Hi, I am wondering after the changes to the AIL next year is there more changes to the structure or is it staying the same? I have read somewhere that there is changes but I couldn't find details.

    Also, when is the A cup kicking in and who is competing?

    Don't think apart from changes to AIL Division 1 (2 groups of 8) there are any others but not totally sure about this.
    As regards A cup - Teams will be A teams of Irish provinces minus Connacht/12 English Division 1 Championship clubs/Top 6 Welsh Premiership teams/2 Scottish Premiership clubs and a team drawn from Edinburgh and Glasgow and members of Scottish Rugby's National Academy. Pool stages (5 matches with 4 pools of 6) to be played during autumn internationals/6 nations with semi-finals and final in late April/ mid May.


  • #3
    bamboozle
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,699 ✭✭✭bamboozle


    1st Division is changing to Division 1A and Division 1 B, with 8 teams in each playing each other on a home and away basis.
    Hopefully we'll see the cream of the AIL players gravitate towards the top 8 teams thereby increasing the standard and providing a decent standard which should reduce the gap in standard between Magner's league and AIL.

    Hopefully also it will convince the provincial coaches that releasing fringe players to play AIL will be of benefit to the player.

    Top 8 are, Shannon, Clontarf, Garryowen, Cork Con, Dolphin, UL Bohs, St. Marys and Blackrock.
    Its just a pity that there are no representatives from Connacht or Ulster

    Personally i'm hopeful that the AIL will be a great success in its new format as the last 10 years have been pretty painful to watch the gradual decline in standard and ability of AIL teams.


  • #4
    Digifriendly
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,081 ✭✭✭Digifriendly


    bamboozle wrote: »
    1st Division is changing to Division 1A and Division 1 B, with 8 teams in each playing each other on a home and away basis.
    Hopefully we'll see the cream of the AIL players gravitate towards the top 8 teams thereby increasing the standard and providing a decent standard which should reduce the gap in standard between Magner's league and AIL.

    Hopefully also it will convince the provincial coaches that releasing fringe players to play AIL will be of benefit to the player.

    Top 8 are, Shannon, Clontarf, Garryowen, Cork Con, Dolphin, UL Bohs, St. Marys and Blackrock.
    Its just a pity that there are no representatives from Connacht or Ulster

    Personally i'm hopeful that the AIL will be a great success in its new format as the last 10 years have been pretty painful to watch the gradual decline in standard and ability of AIL teams.

    See your point about players gravitating towards top 8 but don't forget that there is promotion and relegation between top 8 and bottom 8 - unsure if it's just 1 up/down or 2. If it's the latter the picture will change somewhat with only 6 remaining from previous season in top division.
    At present in Ulster can see Ballynahinch going up next season to top section but unlikely that either Dungannon or Ballymena will make the grade. Unsure about Connacht's clubs chances.
    Like you I hope the standard does improve and if last Saturday's AIL final is anything to go by it hopefully will.


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