All-Ireland League clubs are up in arms over a last-minute directive from the IRFU to apply the AIB logo to their jerseys prior to the opening round of matches next Saturday. The directive, although dated September 21st, only arrived at several clubs last Friday, September 30th.

Sent by the IRFU's commercial and marketing director, Pádraig Power, the letter stated that this was a commitment made to the league's sponsors.

Similarly to the Celtic League and the Heineken European Cup, it was "a condition of participation" and is to be applied to the upper sleeve of the right arm.

Club spokespersons point out that the commitment was made by the IRFU, without so much as warning or consulting the clubs, much less with their agreement. The Celtic League example is a valid one, although the European Cup logo is only applied to jerseys for semi-finals and finals.

"Furthermore, the IRFU are comparing the professional game with the amateur game," commented one club secretary. "Jersey sponsorship is one of the few outlets the clubs have and many have existing deals that include the upper sleeve of the right arm."

An IRFU spokesperson admitted that the clubs had not been given any warning at the last AIB Working Party meeting in August, or at the launch of AIB's new five-year deal on September 26th, saying: "The sponsorship was only tied up five weeks before the launch, or even less, which explains the short notice given to the clubs."

The IRFU spokesperson added there would be no financial reward to the clubs for wearing the logo and they would incur the cost of applying them, which next year will have to be embroidered. "The cost is quite minimal, about €200 to apply to a complete set of jerseys." Not so much last-ditch, more last-stitch.