Rivalries renew and history in making as AIL kicks off

Energia and the IRFU today marked the official launch of the 2026/27 Energia All-Ireland League at Energia Park. Players representing the Women’s and Men’s Divisions were joined by Energia’s Lorna Danaher and IRFU President Tony O’Beirne as excitement builds ahead of another season of club rugby. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

The Energia All-Ireland League returns this weekend, with plenty of intriguing match ups across the five divisions. 

The 2026/27 season will see both the men’s and women’s competitions enter a new chapter, with structural changes introduced following consultation with clubs, provinces, players and other stakeholders.