UCC awarded AIL play-off win after match abandoned following cardiac incident

UCC were leading 31-12 against Shannon when Sam O'Sullivan suffered a cardiac incident. The UCC second row was taken to hospital where he continues to make progress

UCC faced Shannon at the Mardyke in an AIL Division 1B promotion/relegation play-off. Pic: ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

UCC have been awarded victory in their AIL Division 1B promotion/relegation play-off against Shannon. The game was abandoned on Saturday after UCC captain Sam O'Sullivan suffered a cardiac incident.

O'Sullivan was taken to Cork University Hospital. He continues to make progress. UCC Rugby president John Fitzgerald said on Sunday that O'Sullivan was "comfortable and stable". 

The second row is the son of former UCC captain and Munster team doctor Tadhg O'Sullivan, and the brother of former Munster back row Jack O'Sullivan, who now plays rugby in Japan. 

Sixty-eight minutes had elapsed, and UCC were leading 31-12 as they attempted to preserve their 1B status, when the match was abandoned. The IRFU's National Competitions Committee met on Monday to discuss the abandoned fixture. 

"Following on from the weekend, the National Competitions Committee (NCC) met earlier today to discuss the UCC v Shannon Division 1B promotion/relegation match which was abandoned on Saturday after 68 minutes due to the medical incident which occurred," read a statement.

"The player involved continues to make progress in hospital and we are all very thankful for that.

"Having discussed the matter and taking into account the score, the time elapsed, and the circumstances around the incident itself, the NCC have determined that the score of 31-12 in favour of UCC at the time the match was abandoned will stand, and that UCC are deemed the winners of the match and will remain in Division 1B of the Energia All-Ireland League for 2026-27, leaving Shannon in 2A.

"The NCC also wish to acknowledge the understanding shown by Shannon RFC in coming to this decision."