The UAFC

I saw there was a story last week about how the Dublin AIL clubs were throwing their toys out of the pram with the IRFU because apparently there is a plan being floated for a 10-12 team all-Ireland semi-pro league to sit beneath the provinces.

I can understand why they're upset, because they will (rightly) see this as the IRFU bringing more players and matches under their direct control, and diluting the UBL - however I was thinking it might work well for us, because our clubs are so relatively dire (although no doubt there would be pushback nonetheless)

With Scotland and Wales going down this road, it feels like just a matter of time, thoughts? Where would Ulster's teams be based? Facilities wise one has to be at QUB I would say. Ballymena? A 'County Down' team between Hinch & Bann?

They could have cool names like the Banbridge Browns.

Dave wrote:They could have cool names like the Banbridge Browns.

Racist!

Doubt you would have enough players for 2 teams up here when we already have none in 1A.
As for 1 at Queens there is the problem that their team change a every year and does not really get up and running till university starts

Dave wrote:They could have cool names like the Banbridge Browns.

Top Shaggers

Kofi Annan wrote:

Dave wrote:They could have cool names like the Banbridge Browns.

Top Shaggers

North Down Juicers

See in Lancashire clubs have come out of the national league system to play locally.
Financial strain due to travel and a wanting to see a return of regular local derbies were cited as reasons.
I must say I agree and this may produce a domino effect.

Schmidt made it clear he did not want pros playing with amateurs and the academy system has made this by pass possible
Therefore club rugby has become an irrelevance to the system.

They should do what suits and I personnally would scrap the AIL to go back to the local league's for the reasons the Lancashire clubs cited.
Then the league winners could play off for Irish champions if they so wished.

BR wrote:

Dave wrote:They could have cool names like the Banbridge Browns.

Racist!

You can't cancel my channel. All re-runs.

How to rip the heart out of rugby in Ulster...

1. Appoint Logan as CEO and sanitise the provincial matchday experience beyond all recognition
2. show provincial matches on an unheard of PPV channel
3. create three superclubs in order to dispense with domestic rugby
4.......

Absolutely Col
In this vacuum created by Ulster the clubs can seize the chance to fill it
With people's interest in UR at an all time low it has to be soon.
The clubs need to understand that the IRFU have no interest in them and they need to organise themselves for the best before they reach oblivion.
They need to get people watching them and putting money behind the bar.
A local interest of a local town v town or intercity rivalry can do this ( sound like a job for yer man Edward from league of gentlemen reading this back)
The AIL will not create interest as has been proved nor will a semi pro league.
This superclubs proposal fails to see that support comes mainly through identity and if people can't relate to a club they won't support it.
After all Isn't that what Belfast harlequins were supposed to be?

Mid-Ulster Door Supervisors

Liz Fraser wrote:See in Lancashire clubs have come out of the national league system to play locally.
Financial strain due to travel and a wanting to see a return of regular local derbies were cited as reasons.
I must say I agree and this may produce a domino effect.

Schmidt made it clear he did not want pros playing with amateurs and the academy system has made this by pass possible
Therefore club rugby has become an irrelevance to the system.

They should do what suits and I personnally would scrap the AIL to go back to the local league's for the reasons the Lancashire clubs cited.
Then the league winners could play off for Irish champions if they so wished.

Provincial leagues WAY FORWARD

Banbridge has great interest

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Russ wrote:Banbridge has great interest

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It does. Ballynahinch & Dromore also have great interest to those who identify with them.

However the 'BB&D Lightning' franchise of the Ireland Super 12 will have none.

ColinM wrote:How to rip the heart out of rugby in Ulster...

1. Appoint Logan as CEO and sanitise the provincial matchday experience beyond all recognition
2. show provincial matches on an unheard of PPV channel
3. create three superclubs in order to dispense with domestic rugby
4.......

I agree with 1, not with 2 (it's cheap and sounds like it's going to be very comprehensive - and you can't argue with the additional money coming across to the clubs..)

on 3 to play the devil's advocate, domestic rugby is in the doldrums right now in Ulster. I'm not sure why - at least in part from Logan's talk > action attitude, but that's how it is. Hardly any representation at the top end of the UBL, crowds of 2 men and a dog, generally poor facilities etc etc ( I speak as someone who enjoys watching a fair bit of UBL btw) - so the status quo is little interest / engagement from the Ulster rugby community in any case.

Also I can understand the IRFU being frustrated with the UBL - it seems to be irresistible, no matter what rules and regulations are in place, for clubs to try to sneak money onto the table for players, and that can end up very messy.

I personally would be interested in seeing a 'superleague' and back to amateur provincial leagues, with an all Ireland play-off..