The Ulster branch of the Irish Rugby Football Union, following a canvass of 53 affiliated clubs, are pushing for significant changes to the structure of the All-Ireland League (AIL).

After the branch sent out a questionnaire to each club and followed it up with public meetings, Ulster clubs, through the Jackson Report, asked the IRFU to consider reducing the three-division, 16-team AIL to one of 12 clubs with four provincial-based leagues operating below it. The IRFU rejected the Ulster proposals and are carrying out their own survey.

While the Ulster branch census was all embracing and covered various issues, clubs have sent a strong message back that the current structures are not working for them in terms of maintaining prosperity and vigour in the sport at grass-roots level.

The review document shows there is general concern for the state of clubs, their finances and, in many instances, the lack of teams traditionally large clubs are able to field. Concern has also been expressed about matches being cancelled, the development of younger players and the lack of administrators.

Furthermore, the document suggests that the money resulting from the reduction in the AIL should be used for developing the provincial leagues, which may at the end of the season then move into an all-Ireland dimension with provincial play-offs, or, should be used to fund a new All-Ireland Cup competition.

Clubs expressed the view that professionalism took place much quicker than people anticipated and as a result some have been "caught out" financially. It was also pointed out many of the AIL clubs are dependent on subsidies being handed out by the IRFU.

"It has been more difficult to get teams out and to get administrators. You wonder if there is the same enthusiasm in the professional era," said a Dungannon club official. "Travelling, too, is one of the big issues. It is a tremendous cost to us."

International level is in order, provincial level is in order but the AIL and teams below are not," said a Ballymena official.

The cost of travelling affects clubs such as Ballynahinch, City of Derry and Midleton, who occasionally have to travel the length of the island.