Mick Galwey believes the All-Ireland League provides a good breeding ground for future international players.
The veteran former Ireland international, 37, is still playing in the competition for Shannon.
He accepts the standard may be below that of the Celtic League but he feels it provides a good platform for youngsters to prepare themselves for a move up to the professional ranks.
Galwey told the Irish Examiner: The AIL is the feeding ground for the professional game.
"You can't come out of school or wherever and expect to become a professional rugby player. There has to be something in between.