A rematch of last season's Division 1A final between UL Bohemian and Blackrock College headlines the programme, while newly promoted Enniskillen and MU Barnhall look to build on dream debuts in Division 1B. And with a new Junior Cup champion guaranteed this season, there is plenty at stake with the quarter finals getting ahead this weekend. 

Division 1A leaders Blackrock College travel to Annacotty to face defending champions UL Bohemian in a highly anticipated repeat of last April's decider.

Niall Neville's side made an emphatic start to their campaign with a 50-5 victory over Wicklow, inspired by an Andrea Murphy hat-trick. Rock also won 17-7 on their last visit to Annacotty, their first away victory over Bohs since October 2022, and will be determined to maintain their early momentum.

The Red Robins, meanwhile, are chasing their first victory after a narrow opening defeat to Railway Union. Chisom Ugwueru crossed twice in that contest, including a late score, but Sarah Quin's charges ultimately ran out of time. Having overcome Blackrock in last season's final, Bohs will be eager to deliver another statement performance against familiar opposition.

Third placed Railway Union travel west to Crowley Park to face Galwegians, hoping to build on their impressive opening victory over the champions.

Rebecca Cahill enjoyed a dream AIL debut, scoring the decisive try for Adam Philpot's side against Bohs. Railway won 36-7 on their last visit to Crowley Park in January, but Galwegians will be determined to make home advantage count.

Emily Foley grabbed a hat-trick in Wegians 31-15 defeat to Old Belvedere last weekend, providing encouragement for Jack Clarke's side as they chase their first victory.

Wicklow welcome second placed Old Belvedere to Ashtown Lane in another Leinster derby, with the hosts looking to bounce back from their heavy defeat to Blackrock.

Mark Kinlan's side can draw confidence from their 27-15 victory over Belvo at this venue last February, while Róisín Stone will hope to build on her try against Rock.

Belvo arrive following a convincing opening victory over Galwegians, with Katie Whelan crossing twice. Fiona Hayes's charges will be determined to make it two wins from two.

Division 1B leaders Enniskillen face their first away assignment when they travel to Ballincollig, following a memorable AIL debut against Tullow.

Zara Flack's hat-trick inspired Rodney Balfour's side to a 32-12 bonus-point victory, and the newcomers will be hoping to continue that momentum on Leeside.

Ballincollig, meanwhile, are chasing their first victory after losing 17-5 to fellow newcomers MU Barnhall. Niamh O'Mahony provided their only try, and Santi Gonzalez's side will be eager to respond in their first home fixture.

MU Barnhall travel to Drumbiggle to face Ennis in another intriguing encounter between two opening round winners.

Barnhall enjoyed a dream debut against Ballincollig, with Emer Sweetnam, Aoibhín Smith and Abby Healy all crossing the whitewash.

The sides last met in the 2024 Energia Women's All-Ireland Junior Cup quarter-finals, when Barnhall overcame Ennis-Kilrush. Ennis had a hard fought victory away to Cooke last weekend, where Rhona O'Dea's decisive try secured the points for Gareth O'Hanlon's side.

Cooke complete the Division 1B programme with a trip to Rathoe Road to face Tullow, with both clubs seeking their first victories.

Freya Boyce and Molly Boyd crossed for Cooke in their narrow defeat to Ennis, while Grace Kelly scored twice for Tullow against Enniskillen.

The Carlow side won 12-7 when the teams last met back in March, with tries from Leah Browne and Emma Carroll securing a memorable first AIL victory.

Attention also turns to the Energia Women's All-Ireland Junior Cup, where a new champion will be crowned following MU Barnhall's promotion to the AIL. Last season's runners-up Enniskillen have also moved up, opening the door for new finalists. 

Creggs welcome Queen's University in a repeat of last season's quarter-final, when the Belfast students recorded a commanding 44-5 victory. Queen's are the only returning semi-finalists from last season and will be hoping for another successful trip west.

Malone return to the competition by welcoming debutants Navan to Gibson Park. The Ulster side reached the 2024/25 final before losing 41-7 to Barnhall, while Navan arrive under former Ireland international Jackie Shiels, who has helped drive significant progress in women's rugby at Balreask Old.

Shannon host Sligo in another intriguing quarter-final, with both sides eager to make their mark. Shannon exited at this stage against Barnhall last season, while Sligo return to the competition for the first time since its inaugural 2022/23 campaign.

With former Ireland internationals Mary Healy and Nicole Fowley involved in Sligo's women's rugby development, the Connacht club will be hoping to showcase that progress on the national stage. The other quarter final between New Ross and Clonakilty has been postponed.

FIXTURES

All Games Kick Off at 5:00pm unless stated

 

ENERGIA AIL WOMEN'S DIVISION 1A - ROUND 2

Saturday 17th October 2026

Galwegians v Railway Union, Crowley Park
UL Bohemian v Blackrock Col., Annacotty
Wicklow v Old Belvedere, Ashtown Lane
 

ENERGIA AIL WOMEN'S DIVISION 1B - ROUND 2

Saturday 17th October 2026

Ennis RFC v MU Barnhall, Drumbiggle, (KO: 2:00pm)
Ballincollig v Enniskillen RFC, Tanner Park, (KO: 3:00pm)
Tullow RFC v Cooke, Rathoe Road

ENERGIA ALL-IRELAND WOMEN'S JUNIOR CUP - QUARTER FINAL

Sunday 18th October 2026

Shannon RFC v Sligo, Coonagh, (KO: 1:00pm)
Creggs v Queen's Uni., Creggs RFC, (KO: 2:30pm)
Malone v Navan, Gibson Park, (KO: 2:30pm)
New Ross v Clonakilty - Match Off