FIRST DIVISION clubs in the All Ireland League, which are close to forming a new, organisation, are bringing their second division brethren into their net. The united approach is being adopted to avert what the clubs see as the erosion of the game at club level in this country and to respond to the vital necessity of an urgent and concerted course of action to stem the flow of players to England. A central plank in the clubs agenda is that club sides and not the provinces should in future compete in Europe.

Meanwhile, the president of the IRFU, Bobby Deacy announced yesterday that the union is going to hold a meeting with representatives from the first division clubs on Tuesday, October 1st. That meeting will follow a special meeting of the officers and committee of the IRFU on September 27th. That special meeting has been arranged to discuss and consider the position relevant to the "impact of the open came".

The five first division clubs in Munster met in Limerick on Wednesday night and there was unanimous agreement to form "The Irish First Division Rugby Clubs Association." Following a meeting of representatives of the six Leinster first division clubs in Dublin last Tuesday there was similar unity in the decision to form an association that will include first and second division clubs. The Munster first division clubs are also happy to bring the province's second division clubs under the umbrella as they join forces with their Leinster colleagues.

Representations have been made to Ulster for their clubs to join the fold and the initial signs are distinctly encouraging.

If necessary, the actual name of the association as proposed by Munster can be changed - but the principle behind its formation most certainly will not. With the second division clubs being brought into the equation by the clubs, perhaps the IRFU may include their representatives at the October 1st meeting.

The purpose of the new association is for the clubs to pursue a specific and common agenda to protect and promote Irish club rugby and to negotiate about that agenda with the IRFU.

A crucial element in the agenda is that the clubs want a significant reduction in the number of matches played by the provinces and want Ireland to be represented in European competition by club sides.

If necessary, clubs are prepared to join forces to compete in Europe as composite club teams, and, they see club participation and not provincial representation in Europe as a vital factor in helping clubs to provide sufficient incentive and financial support to be able to stem the flow of players to England. They want what is termed "a very significant reduction in the number of games played by the provinces".

They also want the first division of the Insurance Corporation All Ireland League reduced to eight clubs, with a maximum of 10, and the league played on a home and away basis.

A spokesman for the clubs said yesterday: "There is unity among the clubs because we know we must act if we are to survive. We will do everything in our power to keep our players in Ireland and to have the means to keep the young players in Ireland. We have seen what has happened as player after player has gone to England. We are currently in a position that we have effectively have no income, with the AIL not starting until December.

"An erosion and weakening of the clubs means an erosion and weakening of the provinces and the consequent damage to the game in Ireland at international level. There is an immense amount that can be done. The IRFU must listen and be receptive to what we have to say."

The IRFU president is hoping that the meeting of his officers and committee on September 27th will give the union a complete perspective on the clubs' problems prior to the meeting with the club representatives.

He said in a statement yesterday: "I have requested the officers and committee members to come to the meeting armed with the views and opinions of the clubs in their areas and of the branches they represent.

"In a letter to all officers and committee members, I have pointed out that it is imperative that each person should research fully their club and branch views and that they come to the meeting in a position to present these views and allow the full committee, having heard all views, hopefully to arrive at a situation which will allow it to conclude some positive action.

"I have further underlined the importance of this meeting and the concern I have regarding the issue of professionalism relating to the clubs and that subsequently I will be meeting with representatives of the First Division clubs with a view to discussing how the union and the clubs can move forward together to protect and enhance football in Ireland."

In the light of developments this week the IRFU president and the committee will have to come up with a concerted course of action to allay the growing concern and provide very practical means to ease the clubs acute problems. The European issue, for instance, will be a crucial element when the clubs' representatives meet the IRFU.