The 2026/27 season will also see both the Men’s and Women’s Energia All-Ireland League competitions enter a new chapter, with structural changes introduced following consultation with clubs, provinces, players and other stakeholders.
In the Women’s competition, the league will move to a two-division format comprising Division 1A and Division 1B. The Men’s competition will see Divisions 2B and 2C replaced by Energia All-Ireland League 2BN (North) and 2BS (South), with the new structure designed in part to reduce travel demands and support greater sustainability for clubs and players.
The Men’s 2026/27 Energia All-Ireland League gets underway on Saturday, 26th September, followed by the start of the Women’s League kicking off on Saturday, 10th October. The season will culminate with the league double-header at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday, 25th April, featuring the Men’s Division 1A and Women’s Division 1A finals.
Supporters who can’t make it to matches in person will once again be able to follow the action through a selection of free live streams on IrishRugby+, throughout the season. The opening weekend will feature newly promoted Enniskillen RFC taking on Rainey RFC in Men’s Division 2BN, while the Women’s Division showcase will see reigning champions UL Bohemian face Railway Union in Park Avenue, streaming live on their opening weekend.
Speaking at the launch, Lorna Danaher of Energia said, “Energia has been a proud supporter of the All-Ireland League since 2019, and it has been fantastic to see the competition continue to grow and develop across both the men’s and women’s game. Last season’s finals at the Aviva Stadium provided a fitting showcase of the quality and excitement that exists within club rugby, with St Mary's College and UL Bohemian taking home the Men’s and Women’s titles.
“The Energia All-Ireland League is at the heart of the club rugby calendar, bringing together players, supporters and communities across the country every weekend. With new structures across both competitions for the 2026/27 season, we’re looking forward to another season of great rugby and to continuing our support of clubs and players across all four provinces.”
IRFU President Tony O’Beirne added, “The Energia All-Ireland League has a hugely important role to play within Irish Rugby, providing a competitive environment for clubs, players and coaches while bringing supporters and communities together every weekend.
“I would like to acknowledge Energia’s continued commitment to the league and to club rugby in Ireland. The changes to the men’s and women’s competitions this season represent an important step in the continued development of the league, and I look forward to seeing clubs embrace the new season and all that it has to offer.
“Best of luck to all of the clubs, players, coaches and volunteers involved. I’m looking forward to seeing the action get underway and to another memorable season of Energia All-Ireland League rugby.”
As the countdown to kick-off continues, anticipation is building across clubs and communities nationwide. The Energia All-Ireland League provides a platform for players to test themselves at a high level, while giving supporters the opportunity to experience the passion, local rivalries and community spirit that make club rugby such an important part of the Irish game.