Commenting, APG Chairman, Alastair Ross MLA, said:
"There is a common misconception that rugby clubs are flush with money and don't require any assistance for improving club facilities. The reality of course is very different. I very much welcome the fact that Ulster Rugby is embarking on a full audit of existing facilities to ensure that we get a full picture of what facilities are actually like.
"Like most amateur sports clubs, rugby clubs across Ulster are often in desperate need of urgent improvement, find it increasingly difficult to rely on volunteers and provide adequate shower and changing facilities for teams. If we are to capitalise on the success of the Ulster professional team then we need to invest in our clubs to ensure that they are attractive to people playing the game and have the right facilities to grow the sport at grassroots level."
Deputy Chair, Judith Cochraine MLA, added:
"With growth in the women's game there is a particular challenge for clubs in providing additional changing facilities, particularly on a match day when mens teams are also playing. We want to see growth in the sport in non-traditional areas and so it is vitally important to have suitable facilities in place.
"We are also interested in examining what facilities are like at school level, and intend on holding our next meeting at a local school to hear of the specific challenges they face."