Men's Divisions
In the Men’s Division 1A, newly crowned Champions, St. Mary’s College, will kick off the defence of their title with an away match against Lansdowne. Runners Up Clontarf will host the newly promoted Old Wesley in a classic Northside v Southside Dublin derby.
This season sees the start of the new Division 2B North and 2B South in the Men’s Divisions. This change is designed to assist clubs' sustainability by reducing travel distances and overnight stays, helping clubs to lower financial costs while also improving player welfare.
The restructuring directly reflects the feedback received from the rugby community, particularly from players, who identified travel demands as a significant challenge.
Division 2B North kicks off with some interesting local derbies as newly promoted Enniskillen host Rainey while Skerries are at home to near neighbours Navan.
In Division 2B South Thomond are at home to Midleton while Buccaneers host Bruff.
Women’s Divisions
The new two-tier structure for the Women’s Division also comes in to play this season with twelve teams divided into two divisions and a new cross division Cup competition introduced.
In the Women’s Division 1A three-in-a-row champions UL Bohemian kick off their title defence with a replay of the final when they travel to Railway Union for what promises to be a cracking season opener.
In Division 1B newly promoted MU Barnhall open their account at home to Ballincollig while Enniskillen, also promoted this season, are at home to Tullow.
Enniskillen, whose Men’s and Women’s sides were both promoted, will host one of a number of double headers in October when their Men’s team are at home to Navan and their Women’s team host Tullow.