Domestic rugby competitions finished for the season
The inevitable decision was made during the week by the IRFU to cancel the rest of this seasons Men’s and Women’s All Ireland League (AIL) League competitions due to the resurgence in Covid.
As the competition involves teams travelling the length of Ireland it was no longer feasible. Leinster rugby competitions are heading the same way, you can find statements from the IRFU/Leinster branch below in this regard.
However, at least we have the consolation of the Men’s Six Nations going ahead, which will hopefully be some solace for rugby players, coaches, administrators and fans during these tough times.
Statement from the IRFU on the All Ireland League (AIL)
“Following a meeting of the Union Committee, it has been decided that the 2020/21 Energia All-Ireland Leagues for men and women will not proceed, due to the on-going impact of Covid-19.
The Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Series will not take place until the 2021/22 season.
The IRFU and the four provinces will now work with clubs to look at the completion of the Energia Community Series and to review alternative forms of rugby, such as Lucozade Sport Touch and VW Tag, which may provide players with much sought after rugby later in the year.
Greg Barrett, Chair of the IRFU Rugby Committee, said: “As Covid-19 continues to impact our lives we had to make the difficult decision to cancel the 2020/21 Energia All Ireland Leagues and the Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Series”.
“A huge amount of work is on-going, and we continue to look at avenues that may provide players and clubs with the rugby that they love.“
“In the meantime, we will continue to innovate and develop education opportunities that can help players developing skills beyond the traditional forms of training for the game.”
“With over 10,000 players signed up to our ‘Level Up’ workshops, we are helping players develop understanding and skills that will stand to them for many seasons to come.”
“Our commitment to players and our clubs remains clear – we will continue to adopt a flexible approach to season planning and will proceed with rugby when cleared to do so by government guidelines.”
Statement from Leinster Rugby: Following the statement issued by the IRFU, that this season’s AIL has been cancelled Leinster Rugby would like to make clear that if a window of opportunity presents itself before the end of the season, we will indeed get some club rugby played.
With that in mind the club season in Leinster will be extended to 31st May.
The IRFU in its press release also states it will review, along with the four provinces, alternate forms of rugby which may provide participation in rugby for players.
Please note this does not apply to schools or youths.
Training
All collective training is currently suspended in line with Government and IRFU guidelines. At the moment, there is no date for a resumption of activities but needless to say we will be ready and willing as soon as we are allowed to do so.
It is possible that a Rugby 7s programme will take place during the summer to allow players to get back playing rugby. Rugby 7’s on faster harder pitches is normally a great spectacle.
We would urge all our players and members to keep active during this time.
The IRFU are currently running a series of free webinars for players and coaches, which can be accessed at the following link
Why not keep your rugby brain ticking and sign up for the workshops? Also our CCRO, Dylan Quinn will be posting a series of rugby related challenges, which you can do at home on his twitter page
IRFU Your Club Your Country Survey
The IRFU are inviting your feedback on the recent Your Club Your Country draw, which saw Longford RFC raise over €7000 thanks to generosity of our members and friends, the survey can be accessed via the following link
