The second round of the 2026/27 Energia All-Ireland League brings a major early test for two of Ireland’s leading women’s rugby clubs, as Blackrock College travel to face defending champions UL Bohemian. Across the country, the weekend also features key Division 1B fixtures and the quarter-finals of the Energia Women’s All-Ireland Junior Cup.
For followers of sports Ireland and women’s rugby, Saturday’s programme offers a useful snapshot of the campaign’s early direction. Blackrock arrive as Division 1A leaders after a powerful opening win, while UL Bohemian are looking to respond after a narrow defeat to Railway Union.
Blackrock and UL Bohemian renew last season’s final rivalry
The headline fixture takes place at Annacotty, where UL Bohemian host Blackrock College in a repeat of last season’s Division 1A final. The match will be broadcast live on IrishRugby+ and carries considerable significance despite the campaign being only one round old.
Blackrock made the strongest possible start, defeating Wicklow 50-5. Andrea Murphy’s hat-trick was central to that performance, and Niall Neville’s team will travel with confidence after also winning 17-7 on their previous visit to Annacotty.
UL Bohemian, however, have their own reasons for believing they can turn the contest around. The champions lost narrowly to Railway Union in their opener, with Chisom Ugwueru scoring twice. Sarah Quin’s side will know that another defeat would leave them chasing the early pace, making this one of the most important fixtures in the opening weeks.
Railway Union aim to continue strong start
Railway Union travel to Crowley Park to meet Galwegians after their impressive victory over UL Bohemian. Rebecca Cahill marked her AIL debut with the decisive try, giving Adam Philpot’s side an immediate boost.
Railway also won 36-7 at the same venue in January, although Galwegians will expect a different contest on home ground. Emily Foley scored three tries in their defeat to Old Belvedere last weekend, offering the Galway club an attacking threat as they search for their first points.
In the other Division 1A fixture, Wicklow welcome Old Belvedere to Ashtown Lane. Wicklow will aim to recover from their heavy loss to Blackrock, while Belvo arrive after a convincing win over Galwegians. The hosts can draw encouragement from their 27-15 victory over Old Belvedere at this ground last February.
Newly promoted sides face fresh Division 1B challenges
Enniskillen travel to Ballincollig as Division 1B leaders after an excellent debut against Tullow. Zara Flack scored three tries in a 32-12 bonus-point victory, giving the newcomers the ideal beginning to life in the AIL.
Ballincollig are still seeking their first win after losing 17-5 to fellow newcomers MU Barnhall. Niamh O’Mahony scored their only try in that match, and a first home fixture gives Santi Gonzalez’s team an opportunity to respond.
MU Barnhall, meanwhile, visit Ennis for a meeting between two opening-round winners. Emer Sweetnam, Aoibhín Smith and Abby Healy all crossed in Barnhall’s debut victory. Ennis secured a hard-fought away win over Cooke, with Rhona O’Dea scoring the decisive try.
Tullow and Cooke complete the Division 1B programme at Rathoe Road. Both teams lost narrowly last weekend, and the previous meeting between the clubs ended in a 12-7 win for Tullow in March.
Junior Cup quarter-finals open path to new champion
The Women’s All-Ireland Junior Cup also moves into the quarter-final stage. A new champion is guaranteed after MU Barnhall’s promotion to the AIL, while last season’s runners-up Enniskillen have also moved up.
Queen’s University return to Creggs in a repeat of last season’s quarter-final, which the Belfast side won 44-5. They are the only returning semi-finalists and will hope their previous experience proves decisive.
Malone welcome Navan to Gibson Park. Malone reached the 2024/25 final, while Navan’s progress has been supported by former Ireland international Jackie Shiels. Shannon host Sligo in another intriguing tie, with Sligo returning to the competition for the first time since 2022/23.
The final quarter-final between New Ross and Clonakilty has been postponed.
Weekend fixtures
- Division 1A: Galwegians v Railway Union; UL Bohemian v Blackrock College; Wicklow v Old Belvedere — Saturday, 5pm.
- Division 1B: Ennis v MU Barnhall, 2pm; Ballincollig v Enniskillen, 3pm; Tullow v Cooke, 5pm — Saturday.
- Junior Cup quarter-finals: Shannon v Sligo, 1pm; Creggs v Queen’s University, 2.30pm; Malone v Navan, 2.30pm — Sunday.
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What to watch next
The immediate focus will be on Annacotty, where Blackrock can strengthen their position at the top or UL Bohemian can reassert their championship credentials. The Junior Cup quarter-finals will also begin the search for a new champion, with the results set to shape the next stage of women’s rugby in Ireland.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
