Following direction from the IRB, the IRFU has recently implemented a new age grade structure, with U19, U17, U15 and U13 structures taking effect from the start of the 2009-10 season in all 4 provinces.
With this in mind, the women's youth game will now operate an Under 19 and Under 16 structure.
As age grade rugby enters its fourth season in Ulster clubs, the game is now being played by 8 clubs across the province at either U19 or U16 level or both. The significant development work in schools over the past few years has resulted in a successful system being put in place for developing the future of women's rugby.
Five teams will compete in this year's League, playing in a series of home and away matches. Malone will be trying to emulate last season's performance, which saw them win the league in a very closely contested final against Letterkenny.
1. Donegal
2. Malone
3. Enniskillen
4. Letterkenny
5. Virginia
Last season saw the introduction of a cup competition which was set up with the aim of providing competition from January to April, as well as providing matches for new teams or those not ready to enter into the League at the beginning of the season.
Click here to download a copy of the U19 Laws
Click here to download a copy of the U16 Laws
There are currently eight adult teams in Ulster, six of which play in the All Ireland League and are at vaious stages of development:
1. Cooke - All Ireland Div 1
2. Belfast Harlequins - All Ireland Div 2
3. Carrickfergus - All Ireland Div 2
4. City of Derry - All Ireland Div 2
5. Cavan - All Ireland Div 2
6. Enniskillen - All Ireland Div 2
7. Queens
8. Ballymoney
Queens and Ballymoney are development teams and it is hoped that both clubs will grow throughout the coming season and gain regular competition to enable them to progress further.
The All Ireland League will run from September to January, with the Provincial Cup/ All Ireland Cup running from January to April.
Click here to download a copy of the Women's Rugby season guide for clubs
Click here to download a copy of the IRFU Women's AIL and Cup regulations