I am delighted as President of the Irish Rugby Football Union to extend my best wishes to the 52 clubs competing in the 2012-'13 Ulster Bank League.

I believe we can look forward to another great competition judged by how popular the introduction of the restructured League format proved last season.

A particularly well-liked trend gaining further momentum this season is the increase in the number of "Friday Night Lights'' fixtures which have proved so popular in attracting spectators to clubs.

Another positive is that throughout the League campaign Irish Rugby TV will be broadcasting live games and highlights from matches on YouTube, and news updates, fixtures, tables will be available throughout the season on www.Irishrugby.ie

In its new two-Division system our premier domestic inter-club competition has been revitalised and I believe that it now generates greater interest and increased activity at clubs on big match days. This is in keeping with the wishes of the Union whose policy is that a strong club base is the bedrock of Irish rugby.

I congratulate and salute all volunteer for the work and commitment you make in the welfare of your respective clubs. Be assured your contribution is acknowledged and appreciated at Union and Branch level, particularly at a time when we are operating in difficult economic circumstances which present many challenges across the board in Irish rugby.

Finally, I wish to underline the gratitude of the Union to Ulster Bank, official partner in the IRFU Community Rugby Programme, including sponsorship of the Ulster Bank League, the International Club side, the Ulster Bank Bateman Cup, Ulster Bank All-Ireland Junior Cup and the Ulster Bank Rugby Force initiative.

Best wishes,
Billy Glynn
President - Irish Rugby Football Union.