League Review Paves Way For Increased Senior Player Participation

The IRFU, having considered feedback from senior clubs and responses to a player survey, has advised clubs of some alterations to contracted player participation in the Ulster Bank League

The existing structure of five divisions of 10 teams, playing home and away, culminating in the promotion and relegation play-offs will remain in place until at least the end of the 2017/18 season. 

To enhance the intensity of games in Division 1A and 1B, the number of fully contracted players in the match day panel may increase up to a maximum of four, of which two can be forwards. There will continue to be no restrictions on development and Academy player participation.

The Ulster Bank League Participation Criteria will remain in place, including the requirement for a Second XV playing in an appropriate second team competition in their province. 

In addition, the Club Support Scheme financial allocations will be aligned to participation criteria to reward clubs who achieve such criteria.

The Player Points System will be retained.

Further information will be circulated in the coming weeks in regards to the Participation agreement and policies for the 2016/17 season.