The IRFU yesterday officially announced the 2000-2001 club fixture list for the newly revamped league format. Defending champions St Mary's begin the defence of their title on December 2nd when they host Young Munster at Templeville Road.

There will be 16 teams in each of three divisions with the clubs playing 15 games next season. Much to the chagrin of the clubs, the AIB Leagues will once again not start until December as the IRFU is already committed to opening the season with the interprovincials followed by European Cup and then hosting the Japanese and South African national sides.

In Division One there will be four rounds before Christmas, five prior to New Year. League weekends will then alternate with Six Nations Championship matches and the knockout stages of the European Cup.

Divisional newcomers Old Crescent and Blackrock College meet on the opening weekend at Rosbrien while Galwegians will host Dungannon at Crowley Park in another battle of newly promoted teams. The fifth side that clambered up from Division Two, Belfast Harlequins, will face a difficult journey to Cork where they take on Constitution, the 1998 champions.

Limerick though arguably offers the most mouth watering clash of the opening weekend with Shannon and Garryowen meeting at Dooradoyle. Champions, St Mary's have been favoured by the fixture schedule, playing the top three Limerick sides, Shannon, Garryowen and Young Munster at Templeville Road.

Meanwhile, the Connacht Branch of the IRFU has confirmed the appointment of South African Steph Nel (33) as the new coach to the provincial side. He succeeds New Zealander Glenn Ross. Nel coached South West Districts in South Africa last season and was involved with coaching roles at Northern Free State and Western Province in the previous two seasons.

Cardiff outhalf Paul Burke has opted to join Harlequins instead of Leinster. The province agreed a deal with the former Ireland outhalf but Cardiff, who had given permission for him to leave halfway through a two-year contract, demanded a transfer fee.

Burke will link up with fellow Irish internationals Niall Woods and Keith Wood at the Stoop.