Shannon will open the defence of their All-Ireland League title with a trip to Ballymena but uncertainty still hangs over the league make-up with Galwegians' and Dolphin's status as top flight clubs still in doubt.

The IRFU released the fixture list for the forthcoming season this afternoon but question marks remain over the two clubs with objections from Dublin University and Young Munster, who could both still feature in Division One, yet to be resolved.

"A number of matters are pending arising out of objections and complaints lodged by a few clubs which when determined will identify which of the respective clubs will be participating in Division One or Division Two," an IRFU statement explained.

"The IRFU regrets the delay in issuing this season's fixture list and for any inconvenience caused to the AIB League clubs as a result of the delay to date arising out of the due process of law being applied."

Galwegians narrowly avoided relegation last season but Dublin University lodged an objection over a player they believe was not registered correctly.

Similarly, Young Munster objected to Dolphin using hooker Andrew O'Driscoll who was involved in two All-Ireland League squads - including the victory over Bective Rangers on the final day of the season that saw them promoted to Division One at the expense of Young Munster.

While the saga threatens to go all the way to the High Court, the IRFU have drafted the fixture list with the first weekend of action scheduled for Saturday, October 14th.

Shannon are chasing their fourth title in sucesssion - it would be their ninth in total - while beaten finalists Clontarf open their campaign with a tough away game against Cork Constitution.

Saturday, October 14th

Division One

Ballymena v Shannon
Buccaneers v Blackrock College
Cork Constitution v Clontarf
Dolphin / Young Munster v UCD
Dungannon v Garryowen
DU / Galwegians v Belfast Harlequins
Lansdowne v St. Mary's College
U.L. Bohemian v Terenure College