The new look Ulster Bank League will kick off in October with some top class club rugby action in store for the season ahead.
Champions Old Belvedere will start their title defence with a daunting trip to Young Munster while last season’s beaten finalists Cork Constitution make the trip to Lansdowne on the opening day.
One of the key features for season 2011/12 is the number of floodlit games that are planned across all four divisions. The Friday Night Lights fixtures proved hugely popular last season with clubs and supporters.
This season sees even more Friday Night Lights games with the mouth watering prospect of the first floodlit club game to be played in Aviva Stadium when hosts Lansdowne face defending champions Old Belvedere in round 3 on Friday October 14th.
That night also sees a huge clash in Musgrave Park when Dolphin and Cork Constitution renew old rivalries.
The new look Ulster Bank League sees ten teams in Division 1A and Division 1B with 15 teams each in Divisions 2A and 2B.
There are four new teams in the Ulster Bank League with Boyne, Cashel, Armagh and Sligo joining the ranks.
Commenting on the new league IRFU Domestic Game Manager Scott Walker said: “We are really looking forward to the new season in the Ulster Bank League. The league has become increasingly competitive in recent seasons and with Ulster Bank as title sponsors it promises to be an exciting year ahead.
“The Friday Night Lights programme proved very popular last season and came about as a result of feedback from clubs and supporters. The floodlit games between local rivals brought out the crowds and many of the clubs have done great work on providing a fun, family atmosphere on match day”
“The Friday Night Lights game between Lansdowne and Old Belvedere in Aviva Stadium promises to be one of the highlights of the season. It will be the first club rugby match on the main pitch and will attract huge interest”
Ellvena Graham, Ulster Bank Director of Business Services Ireland commented: “We were delighted with how the sponsorship was received last season and we are now looking forward to our first full season of the Ulster Bank League”
“Friday Night Lights is a great way for clubs to engage with their local community and bring in more supporters and members”
“We are also looking forward to bringing Ulster Bank RugbyForce to more clubs in the coming season and working with volunteers to improve club facilities in Ireland”.
