As President of the Irish Rugby Football Union, I am delighted to extend my best wishes to all clubs for season 2011- '12.

I wish all club officers, members and players every enjoyment from a season that marks the introduction of an exciting new structure in the Ulster Bank League.

A re-vamped format, following consultation with all the clubs and Branches, has the prospect of adding further impetus to the club scene.

This objective is in keeping with the policy of the IRFU and its Provincial Branches to ensure the well being of club rugby throughout the Island.

In acknowledging the role that the clubs play in providing the facility of rugby in your area, I would also like to pay tribute to all our volunteers throughout Irish rugby. They make an invaluable contribution to the success of the game and in the current economic circumstances their role is even more important.

Finally, I would like to sincerely thank Ulster Bank, the official Community Partner to the IRFU, for their sponsorship of the Ulster Bank League, the Irish Club international team and of the Ulster Bank Rugby Force initiative.