Munster have officially pulled out of this year's interprovincial tournament. The Branch have told the Irish Hockey Association (IHA) they will not be taking part in the preliminary rounds which begin in October because of problems with managers and coaches.

The Branch also believes the team costs would be much better spent on establishing a national league and developing underage hockey in the country.

"It (interprovincial tournament) hasn't served a purpose and the players have no interest in it. We sent a proposal to the IHA six months ago for the development of a National League pointing out that hockey is going nowhere unless we have one," said Pat Dawson, president of the Munster Branch. "The proof was in Barcelona (European Nations Cup) where we are still well behind the top six teams in Europe."

Munster's withdrawal follows years of frustration at playing in a provincial league where two sides, Harlequins and Cork C of I, dominate.

Six of the current international squad are from Munster while the strength of the two club sides has shifted the power base in the Irish game to Cork for the first time in decades.

While Ulster are the interprovincial title holders, Cork Harlequins narrowly lost in the Senior Cup final to Lisnagarvey, and C of I are the Club Championship champions.

"I would question the interpros and whether they develop Irish hockey at all," said Dawson. "With a national league the Irish coach could watch the top players every week and the game would be more marketable. We (Munster) have six players on the national team now and two on the under-18s. But Limerick Hockey Club pulled out just recently - not enough players or interest."

In the light of Munster's action, it will be difficult for the tournament to take place. Leinster playing Ulster hardly constitutes an interpro series, while the Irish under-21 side, who also compete, are not part of the official competition anyway.

LEINSTER SENIOR LEAGUE

Division 1: Corinthians v UCD, postponed; Monkstown v Aer Lingus, 3.00, St Andrew's; Pembroke Wanderers v DU, postponed; Railway Union v Glenanne 2.30, Belfield; TRR v YMCA 1.15, Grange Road

Division 2: Avoca v Weston, 2.45, Rathdown; Clontarf v Skerries 2.00, DCU; Portrane v St Brendan's, 1.00, College of Surgeons; St James's Gate v Naas, 2.00, Iveagh Grounds; Suttonians v Bray 1.30, Sutton.