The introduction of the competition follows valuable feedback received through club engagement meetings, alongside research highlighting a significant drop-off in female participation in sport during the transition from secondary school to university.
The Sprint Competition has been developed to address this challenge by providing meaningful playing opportunities for women aged 18–23, helping bridge the gap between youth and adult rugby while also creating a welcoming environment for newer players to develop throughout the season.
Player Eligibility
To participate in the competition, all players must be correctly registered on RugbyConnect and meet one of the following eligibility criteria:
- Aged between 18 and 23 years.
- Registered club players.
- University players.
- Women's National Talent Squad (WNTS) players.
- Players who have competed in the Women's All-Ireland League (WAIL) or a provincial league for no more than one season.
- Non-contracted players.
Competition Schedule
The competition will be delivered through three provincial blitz days, followed by a Finals Day:
- 24 October 2026 – Provincial Blitz Day 1
- 23 January 2027 – Provincial Blitz Day 2
- 20 February 2027 – Provincial Blitz Day 3
- 3 April 2027 – Finals Day
Team Entries
The Women's Club Sprint Competition is open to all affiliated clubs.
Clubs may enter:
- As a standalone team, provided they have sufficient eligible players; or
- As part of an amalgamated team with one or more neighbouring clubs.
The maximum squad size is 23 players.
It is important to note that any approved amalgamation applies only to the Sprint Competition and has no bearing on participation in any other national or provincial club competitions. Proposed amalgamations should be appropriate from both a geographical and player development perspective.
Competition Format
The competition is intended to be played as 15-a-side rugby. However, flexibility will be shown where teams experience player shortages to ensure games can proceed.
Subject to team numbers, the aim is for each team to play four 20-minute matches on each provincial blitz day.
Competition points will be awarded as follows:
- 4 points for a win
- 2 points for a draw
- 1 point for a loss by seven points or fewer
- 1 bonus point for scoring four tries in a match
How to Apply
Clubs have received an application form to register their interest in participating in the Women's Club Sprint Competition Pilot.
To apply, please complete the form and return it to Women's Coordinator Ava Elders Gallagher, by 5pm on Friday, 28 August 2026.
The IRFU looks forward to working with clubs on this exciting new pilot competition and continuing to create more opportunities for young females to play, develop and remain involved in rugby.