The new Irish rugby season is almost here, with clubs across the country preparing for the return of the Energia All-Ireland League. The 2026/27 men’s campaign was officially launched at Energia Park on Wednesday, bringing together players from all five divisions ahead of Saturday’s opening fixtures.
The launch offered an early look at a season packed with fresh storylines, ambitious clubs and important milestones. Alongside representatives from the men’s divisions were members of the women’s game, IRFU President Tony O’Beirne and Energia Sponsorship & Events Manager Lorna Danaher.
Irish rugby clubs prepare for opening weekend
The Energia All-Ireland League begins across the four provinces this Saturday afternoon. This season includes five men’s divisions, with Divisions 2BN and 2BS taking on a newly restructured format designed to strengthen the national club pathway.
For supporters, the opening round brings the return of familiar rivalries as well as the arrival of a new club at senior level. Enniskillen will make its long-awaited All-Ireland League debut in Division 2BN, facing Rainey in a fixture that represents a major moment for the club and its wider community.
The match will also be available to watch live on IrishRugby+, giving supporters beyond the local area the opportunity to follow Enniskillen’s first step in the competition.
Champions St. Mary’s begin title defence
St. Mary’s College enter the campaign as Division 1A champions after ending a long wait for the trophy last season. Their title success was their first in the top division since 2012, and they will now face the challenge of maintaining that standard against a group of determined rivals.
Among the key players involved at the launch was Dan Goggin, the Division 1A Player of the Year for 2024/25. Having moved from centre into the back row, Goggin played a significant role in Mary’s successful campaign and will be central to their hopes of defending the crown.
The champions will open their campaign against Lansdowne on the back pitch at the Aviva Stadium, providing an immediate test of their credentials.
Old Wesley and MU Barnhall bring promotion ambition
There is also plenty of interest around the clubs moving into Division 1B. Old Wesley return to the top flight after a 29-year absence, with Billy Corrigan named as captain. The former Leinster Academy player will lead the side into a demanding campaign that includes a home meeting with Cork Constitution during the opening rounds.
MU Barnhall are another club stepping into new territory. Their promotion followed an outstanding Division 2A campaign in which they recorded 16 wins from 18 matches. Influential forward Dan Murphy was a key figure in that run and will now help guide the team through its first Division 1B season.
Their opening assignment is a trip to Stradbrook to face Blackrock College, a fixture that should quickly show how the promoted side measures up at the higher level.
Experienced clubs set their sights on success
Clontarf will hope their 150th season can bring another major achievement. The north Dublin club are targeting a third Division 1A title in six seasons, with prolific out-half Conor Kelly appointed captain for the new campaign.
Elsewhere, Terenure College begin under new captain Adam Tuite and head coach Paul Barr in his first full season in charge. Their early schedule is demanding, with matches against Munster clubs Cork Constitution and Young Munster before a meeting with newcomers Old Wesley.
Cork Constitution also arrive with momentum after reaching December’s Munster Senior Challenge Cup final. Their 38-19 semi-final win over UL Bohemian included a try from winger Seán Condon, who is entering his second All-Ireland League season.
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What to watch in the opening round
- Whether St. Mary’s can begin their Division 1A title defence with a statement win.
- How Old Wesley adapt to top-flight rugby after almost three decades away.
- Whether MU Barnhall’s promotion momentum continues in Division 1B.
- How Enniskillen handle their historic first All-Ireland League fixture.
- Which clubs make the strongest early push across the restructured lower divisions.
The Energia All-Ireland League remains one of the most important competitions in Irish club rugby, connecting elite-level ambition with local support and player development. With new captains, promoted clubs and reigning champions all under pressure from the first whistle, the 2026/27 season promises a compelling opening weekend.
Supporters are encouraged to attend their local club, check the first-round fixtures and get behind the grassroots game as the campaign begins across Ireland.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
