Following a request from the Ulster Branch, and the prospect of both Ballymena and Dungannon being without their Ulster contingents this Saturday, the IRFU finally relented yesterday and offered both clubs the opportunity of cancelling their respective AIB league matches.

Ballymena declined, despite the withdrawal of their nine Ulster squad members from this Saturday's Division One trip to Young Munster. But the deciding factor for Ballymena is that they are already three games behind schedule. However, Dungannon took up the offer, and so their Division Two game at home to Wanderers has been postponed.