All Ireland League
The main domestic league in Ireland is the All Ireland League. This was started in 1990 and has now expanded to three divisions with a total of 48 senior clubs.
In each division the club finishing on top after the league series will receive a Union plaque but is not deemed the champion club of that division. Champions of each division are decided on a play-off of the top four clubs. First plays fourth & second plays third. The winners then meet in a final.
The bottom two clubs in division one are relegated to division two; they are replaced by the top two clubs from division two. Similarly, the bottom two from division two are replaced by the top two from AIB Division Three. The team finishing last in division three are relegated and replaced by the winner of the round robin competition between the winners of the Connacht, Munster, Leinster and Ulster provincial Leagues.
Read more about this topic: Irish Rugby Union System
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