The IRFU has announced a £1 million bonanza for AIB All-Ireland League clubs in grant form, concurrent with continued travelling subvention and prize money worth a further £450,000.

The union has allocated £940,000 to the 49 senior clubs, staggering the payments according to divisional status. Those amongst the elite receive £30,000 while Division Four clubs can expect a cheque for £10,000.

The only condition is that the clubs earmark most of the money for a specific purpose - i.e., to develop youth rugby or provide training lights or other directly accountable projects. The premise is that the IRFU funds are not to bankroll the acquisition of players.

A travelling subvention of £300,000 has been made available to the clubs while there is a further £129,000 on offer in the form of prize money.

Meanwhile, the IRFU has also announced the rescheduling of fixtures postponed on December 12th.

Breakdown Of Funds

AIL Divison One: 12 clubs, £30,000 each.

Division Two: 16 clubs, £20,000 each.

Divison Three: 10 clubs, £15,000 each.

Division Four: 11 clubs, £10,000 each.

Revised Fixture List

January 23rd: Division One: Shannon v Terenure College, Thomond Park.

January 30th: Division One: Terenure College v Young Munster, Lakelands; Cork Constitution v Ballymena, Temple Hill; Shannon v Garryowen, Thomond Park.

March 7th: Division Two: DLSP v Bective Rangers, Kilternan.

April 13th: Division Two: Ballynahinch v Dungannon, Ballymacarn Park.

NB: The Division Two match between Portadown and UCC, postponed from December 12th, has yet to be rescheduled.

Revised kick-off times for Saturday: Divison One: Blackrock College v Shannon, (2.15); Ballymena v St Mary's, Eaton Park (2.15).