Youth the standard as Ulster sides look to maintain status at the top

Rugby All-Ireland League: The Ulster challenge for the All-Ireland League is expected to be stronger than ever this year with Ballymena and Belfast Harlequins again recruiting heavily. Yet, the forgotten team of the Ulster's famed trio in recent years, Dungannon, showed in a recent victory over Ballymena in the pre-season provincial leagues they still have plenty to contribute.

The 2001 AIL champions, with Jeremy Davidson now entering into a second year as head coach, have a raft of talent chomping at the bit. A productive youth system is now essential to any long-term future on the third tier of Irish rugby, something their young coach is only too aware of.

"Absolutely," agrees Davidson. "We try and blood them early and give them experience for whenever they move up to the next level. They are looked after in the academy systems throughout Ireland so we want them to get as much game experience as possible.

"We got a few young guys back in the team this year and are shaping up reasonably well. I know we will be up against some very powerful teams like Belfast Harlequins, who we have this weekend, but hopefully it will all come together."

Considering the expected revamp of the AIL from next year, the aim for Dungannon - who finished well behind their two arch rivals last year - is to be in a decent position at the season's end as seeding may come into effect.

"We just have to play it the way it is for this year and see how things develop. We are developing as a team and hopefully we will have a prosperous future. We just have to keep concentrating week by week," said Davidson.

The Tyrone club have had a busy summer. Considering the climate of uncertainty in the club game, the need for aspiring young players to compete in Division One has increased immensely.

The opportunity to learn from a former international and British and Irish Lion, in Davidson, is an extra incentive in itself.

In total, 12 new faces have joined the squad from clubs and universities. Division Three club Portadown were most affected with Stephen Ferris, CiaráO'Kane and Ajay Suberwahl all moving to Dungannon.

Further additions include those with decent schools reputations who have now graduated from Queen's University - Davidson's former alma mater - like Jonny Patton and Andrew Kirkpatrick along with academy player Andy Kershaw. This should ensure they finish significantly higher than last year's 12th spot.

Harlequins also rely on the ever-improving youth systems in the province but they too have recruited wisely.

Outhalf Ian Humphreys, brother of David, will become one of the few players to have lined up for all three Division One Ulster sides. Also, Michael Swetman has been head-hunted from an ailing County Carlow.

Ballymena, meanwhile, will go into the new season without a long-term coach in place as Tony D'Arcy returns to his native Australia in two weeks' time to take up his post as head of the New South Wales Academy.

The club are currently hunting a big-name replacement for the former Irish senior team scrum coach.

Ex-Connacht coach Steph Nel is the favourite to fill the soon to be vacated post.

Ballymena, however, is not the only option open to the South African.

Presently working with the South African Rugby Football Union, Nel is expected to be offered a Currie Cup team for next year, while the prestigious Stellenbosch University wants him as director of rugby.

Coaches from the ACT Brumbies and Queensland Reds are also being considered for the director of coaching job. A decision is expected by mid-November.