AIL 2020-2021

The Lost Sheep

No change from last seasons divisions with covid19 calling a halt to proceedings in mid March

1A
Cork Con, Clontarf, Lansdowne, Trinity, Garryowen, UCD, Young Munster, Terenure, UCC, Ballynahinch
1B
Shannon, Old Wesley, Naas, Malone, Banbridge, St Marys, Old Belvedere, Armagh, Highfield, Navan
2A
Buccaneers, Ballymena, Cashel, Queens, UL Bohemians, Old Crescent, Dolphin, Nenagh, MU Barnhall, Rainey Old Boys
2B
Blackrock, Galwegians, Greystones, Sligo, Dungannon, Corinthians, Wanderers, Belfast Harlequins, Ballina, Malahide
2C
Skerries, Sundays Well, Midleton, Bruff, Omagh, City of Derry, Tullamore, Bangor, Enniscorthy, Clonmel

Few coaching changes announced already and refs panel for next season picked with several promotions and changes to that
https://www.leinsterrugby.ie/arlb-referees-on-the-national-referee-panel-for-2020-21-season/

Squidgy Black

Matt D'Arcy been named as captain for Clontarf, taking over from Michael Noone

FellasFellas

Ronan Foley has been named captain of UCD, replacing Jonny Guy.

stellenbosch

FellasFellas wrote: »

Ronan Foley has been named captain of UCD, replacing Jonny Guy.

Max Kearney captain of DUFC

Tarf1234

stellenbosch wrote: »

Max Kearney captain of DUFC

Great to see 2 Tarf men captaining teams in 1A 😀

Stainalert

Jack Dwan - captain of Lansdowne

Any Transfer rumours?

Craig Ronaldson is gone to Naas together with Tim Murphy - good signings for them

Hear Young Munsters have signed Danny Qualter from Nottingham.

luke9311

Stainalert wrote: »

Jack Dwan - captain of Lansdowne

Any Transfer rumours?

Craig Ronaldson is gone to Naas together with Tim Murphy - good signings for them

Hear Young Munsters have signed Danny Qualter from Nottingham.

Wasn’t aware of ronaldsons move to naas big loss for Lansdowne I’d imagine. I guess foley or that young lad from there 20s set up that was blackrock sct 10 like a year or two ago Madigan I think his name is blonde hair lad will step into 10 position now along with hastie maybe?

Chico Flores

Cathal Marsh back from America and signed for Terneure.

rugby_oddball

Cathal Sheridan new DOR at UL Bohs

Scottmactom

Alex Soroka to Clontarf.

RuPi

Ronaldson in as a player/coach at Naas with Johne Murphy the new DoR?
Neil Doak and John Andress in as the new Coaches at Belfast Harlequins.
Wilbur Leacock replacing Chris Henry as head coach at Malone, Chris to take on a consultancy role with the club.
Conor McKee from QUB to Belfast Harlequins
Connor McMennamin from Malone to QUB
Joe Dunleavy from Malone to Hinch
Conor Rankin from Hinch to Malone
Conor McAuley from Belfast Harlequins to Hinch
Jonny Stewart from Banbridge to QUB.

stellenbosch

Scottmactom wrote: »

Alex Soroka to Clontarf.

Colm Hogan from DUFC to Belvo

GavMan

luke9311 wrote: »

Wasn’t aware of ronaldsons move to naas big loss for Lansdowne I’d imagine. I guess foley or that young lad from there 20s set up that was blackrock sct 10 like a year or two ago Madigan I think his name is blonde hair lad will step into 10 position now along with hastie maybe?

Tom Gavigan I think you mean

Scottmactom

GavMan wrote: »

Tom Gavigan I think you mean

that was this season, he is thinking of Stephen Madigan, Ldowne's 20's 10.

luke9311

Scottmactom wrote: »

that was this season, he is thinking of Stephen Madigan, Ldowne's 20's 10.

That’s the one

Chico Flores

I think Peter Hastie is still at Lansdowne too. They will always have good players at 10.

luke9311

Chico Flores wrote: »

I think Peter Hastie is still at Lansdowne too. They will always have good players at 10.

Yeah he’s still there. And then one or two would come up from 20s last year. Dunno if they will bring in another 10 or not tho up to them I suppose but hastie is decent tbh....

The Lost Sheep

Paddy Thornton and Dan van zyl coaching in wicklow next season. Not ail but will likely be pushing for promotion.

Chico Flores

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Paddy Thornton and Dan van zyl coaching in wicklow next season. Not ail but will likely be pushing for promotion.

Didn't they, Wicklow, relegated to 1B Leinster League so wouldn't be able to get promoted anyway to AIL.

luke9311

Chico Flores wrote: »

Didn't they, Wicklow, relegated to 1B Leinster League so wouldn't be able to get promoted anyway to AIL.

Thought there’s no promo or relegation in any league this season with the crisis? So then if that’s the case they will be in 1a again next year...

Stainalert

luke9311 wrote: »

Thought there’s no promo or relegation in any league this season with the crisis? So then if that’s the case they will be in 1a again next year...

Don't think that's decided yet. If anyone's getting promoted it will surely be Monkstown - They have recruited a load of AIL players. Steve McVeigh from UCD, Cormac Brennan and apparently another 3 players from Malahide. They are all on top of the AIL players they recruited last season : Riordan, Lavery & McMickan

FellasFellas

Bective are looking to recruit heavily to get back into AIL as I understand with Bernard Jackman at the helm. Tapping back into the St. Michaels connections he had when he was coaching there.

stellenbosch

Stainalert wrote: »

Don't think that's decided yet. If anyone's getting promoted it will surely be Monkstown - They have recruited a load of AIL players. Steve McVeigh from UCD, Cormac Brennan and apparently another 3 players from Malahide. They are all on top of the AIL players they recruited last season : Riordan, Lavery & McMickan

Monkstown promoted from IB and was announced by Leinster Branch a couple of months back. They had one game left and were not in a position to be caught and had won every game.

Stainalert

stellenbosch wrote: »

Monkstown promoted from IB and was announced by Leinster Branch a couple of months back. They had one game left and were not in a position to be caught and had won every game.

I know sorry was referring to their chances of getting promoted to AIL next season

luke9311

Stainalert wrote: »

Don't think that's decided yet. If anyone's getting promoted it will surely be Monkstown - They have recruited a load of AIL players. Steve McVeigh from UCD, Cormac Brennan and apparently another 3 players from Malahide. They are all on top of the AIL players they recruited last season : Riordan, Lavery & McMickan

Yeah dunno about this coming season but I did hear about McMickan going to them last year along with one of the lappin brothers out of clongowes. Think ur right next couple of seasons they might actually do something who knows. I think Bective on the other hand be another season or two before they reach ail heights again if they do. And even if they do it will be questionable if they can sustain it. I remember years around the 2010/2011 season and abit into the beginning of the season after they had solid enough side in 2a ail having recruited Henry Bryce on the wing a kiwi 9 and a good few former UCC players in that side too push for promo into 1b end of 10/11 season only to loose to bluff in play off and then it just went downhill from there and players left and followed Kevin Lewis to Greystones while some went else where

Lucas44

luke9311 wrote: »

Yeah dunno about this coming season but I did hear about McMickan going to them last year along with one of the lappin brothers out of clongowes. Think ur right next couple of seasons they might actually do something who knows. I think Bective on the other hand be another season or two before they reach ail heights again if they do. And even if they do it will be questionable if they can sustain it. I remember years around the 2010/2011 season and abit into the beginning of the season after they had solid enough side in 2a ail having recruited Henry Bryce on the wing a kiwi 9 and a good few former UCC players in that side too push for promo into 1b end of 10/11 season only to loose to bluff in play off and then it just went downhill from there and players left and followed Kevin Lewis to Greystones while some went else where

What level ail players are we talking about for monkstown? Unfamiliar with the names mentioned above

luke9311

Lucas44 wrote: »

What level ail players are we talking about for monkstown? Unfamiliar with the names mentioned above

Like of mcmickan was an ail 10 in 1a with Lansdowne season before last, lavery and riordan were with old Belvo before hand and likes of mcveigh were UCD and I think Cormac Brennan was with Glawegians I think when there were 1a/1b standard could be wrong tho. So yeah pretty much all above have some experience in 1a/1b ail from other clubs. Dunno the malahide players stainalert is on about above tbh but I’d have a guess they more than likely not ur average player coming into a junior set up if malahide had players like Danny poolman Mick McGrath etc at their ranks for the ail league Level they compete in which no offence to any other player in that league but there probably a class above them with the quality of players they are

realhorrorshow

Lucas44 wrote: »

What level ail players are we talking about for monkstown? Unfamiliar with the names mentioned above

Cormac Brennan spent 3 years in the Connacht academy and looked very decent for Wegians when they were in 1b. McVeigh also spent 3 years in the Connacht academy and has been a regular for UCD for a few seasons now.

Chico Flores

FellasFellas wrote: »

Bective are looking to recruit heavily to get back into AIL as I understand with Bernard Jackman at the helm. Tapping back into the St. Michaels connections he had when he was coaching there.

Pitching Leinster League 1A to ambitious players Is a tough one. Trying to get lads who want to play AIL or high level Metro at worst to go to like Dundalk or Gorey instead is a hard sell. Be better off getting more experienced club lads.

Is Craig Ronaldson the biggest name after moving so far?

The Lost Sheep

Stainalert wrote: »

Don't think that's decided yet. If anyone's getting promoted it will surely be Monkstown - They have recruited a load of AIL players. Steve McVeigh from UCD, Cormac Brennan and apparently another 3 players from Malahide. They are all on top of the AIL players they recruited last season : Riordan, Lavery & McMickan

wouldnt be so sure on Monkstown as side to be promoted.
Ashbourne and few others all bit ahead even if Monkstown have recruited heavily

FellasFellas wrote: »

Bective are looking to recruit heavily to get back into AIL as I understand with Bernard Jackman at the helm. Tapping back into the St. Michaels connections he had when he was coaching there.

they'd have plenty Michael's connections already with huge numbers of their minis going on to Michael's. They wont get near the AIL until they start fielding teams at all age groups and developing a far better development systen

luke9311 wrote: »

Yeah dunno about this coming season but I did hear about McMickan going to them last year along with one of the lappin brothers out of clongowes. Think ur right next couple of seasons they might actually do something who knows. I think Bective on the other hand be another season or two before they reach ail heights again if they do. And even if they do it will be questionable if they can sustain it. I remember years around the 2010/2011 season and abit into the beginning of the season after they had solid enough side in 2a ail having recruited Henry Bryce on the wing a kiwi 9 and a good few former UCC players in that side too push for promo into 1b end of 10/11 season only to loose to bluff in play off and then it just went downhill from there and players left and followed Kevin Lewis to Greystones while some went else where

they were fairly consistent for a long time in the AIL in the old division2 until around 14/15. Never really pushing for promotion or looking likely to be relegated but just drifted down the divisions after that

Chico Flores wrote: »

Pitching Leinster League 1A to ambitious players Is a tough one. Trying to get lads who want to play AIL or high level Metro at worst to go to like Dundalk or Gorey instead is a hard sell. Be better off getting more experienced club lads.

Is Craig Ronaldson the biggest name after moving so far?

it shouldnt be. Standard of top level junior rugby is very high and a bit of travelling really shouldnt impact any player who has desire to play decent rugby

stellenbosch

realhorrorshow wrote: »

Cormac Brennan spent 3 years in the Connacht academy and looked very decent for Wegians when they were in 1b. McVeigh also spent 3 years in the Connacht academy and has been a regular for UCD for a few seasons now.

Cormac Brennan hasnt played rugby in 2 years since getting concussion in August 2018 in a pre season friendly v DUFC. Believe he has been playing GAA

realhorrorshow

stellenbosch wrote: »

Cormac Brennan hasnt played rugby in 2 years since getting concussion in August 2018 in a pre season friendly v DUFC. Believe he has been playing GAA

Didn't know that, cheers.

Five Eighth

Looked over AIL since start-up. While Shannon are the most successful club, Cork Con are the most consistent. Maybe because they have the pick of Cork. The way Cons are going, it won't be long before they catch-up and then overtake Shannon. Could be another good few years before, if ever, rediscover their glory days. Limerick city as five senior clubs - Munsters, Garryowen, Shannon, Crescent and Bohs - all pulling from the same supply chain.

Chico Flores

Five Eighth wrote: »

Looked over AIL since start-up. While Shannon are the most successful club, Cork Con are the most consistent. Maybe because they have the pick of Cork. The way Cons are going, it won't be long before they catch-up and then overtake Shannon. Could be another good few years before, if ever, rediscover their glory days. Limerick city as five senior clubs - Munsters, Garryowen, Shannon, Crescent and Bohs - all pulling from the same supply chain.

I don't fully get your point. Cork City has 5 senior clubs too. Cork Con, UCC, Highfield, Dolphin and Sundays Well.

These things are always in swings and roundabouts. When Shannon were at their most successful it was a different time but are a good old historic club. Cork Con might pass them out but nothing is guaranteed in sport

Gatekeeper23

Any other transfer news floating about?


Ed O'Keeffe gone to Lansdowne. Pa Ryan gone to the Cookies.

Scottmactom

I wonder how much academy and pro players will be released... not much game time for wider squad players in the provinces unless they schedule some A games.

Five Eighth

Chico Flores wrote: »

I don't fully get your point. Cork City has 5 senior clubs too. Cork Con, UCC, Highfield, Dolphin and Sundays Well.

These things are always in swings and roundabouts. When Shannon were at their most successful it was a different time but are a good old historic club. Cork Con might pass them out but nothing is guaranteed in sport

Swings and roundabouts is a sporting truism but Cons record of winning six AIL's and finishing runners-up in nine speaks for itself. I just feel that in Cork there is a pyramid structure where many young players feel that they can improve their chances of being noticed by signing with Cons. In Limerick you have a much flatter structure. Undoubtedly Cons are a fine club and are my favourites to win the AIL again this season.

Scottmactom

Five Eighth wrote: »

Swings and roundabouts is a sporting truism but Cons record of winning six AIL's and finishing runners-up in nine speaks for itself. I just feel that in Cork there is a pyramid structure where many young players feel that they can improve their chances of being noticed by signing with Cons. In Limerick you have a much flatter structure. Undoubtedly Cons are a fine club and are my favourites to win the AIL again this season.

apart from Munster by in large rarely give those Con players a chance at playing for Munster or earning a pro contract.

The Lost Sheep

Five Eighth wrote: »

Looked over AIL since start-up. While Shannon are the most successful club, Cork Con are the most consistent. Maybe because they have the pick of Cork. The way Cons are going, it won't be long before they catch-up and then overtake Shannon. Could be another good few years before, if ever, rediscover their glory days. Limerick city as five senior clubs - Munsters, Garryowen, Shannon, Crescent and Bohs - all pulling from the same supply chain.

not simply pick of cork. Had that and good bit more. Shannon wont ever rediscover their glory days. Far more clubs nearby gone senior and players preferring to stay with their home clubs. As well as plenty north Munster players just not based in around city any morw

Chico Flores wrote: »

I don't fully get your point. Cork City has 5 senior clubs too. Cork Con, UCC, Highfield, Dolphin and Sundays Well.

These things are always in swings and roundabouts. When Shannon were at their most successful it was a different time but are a good old historic club. Cork Con might pass them out but nothing is guaranteed in sport

lot more of cork clubs were not and havent been up at division 1 level. Players will move to con lot easier from UCC and other clubs in cork than move between clubs in limerick.

Scottmactom wrote: »

I wonder how much academy and pro players will be released... not much game time for wider squad players in the provinces unless they schedule some A games.

why focus so much on just guys in pro set up. The sport is so much more than that

Five Eighth wrote: »

Swings and roundabouts is a sporting truism but Cons record of winning six AIL's and finishing runners-up in nine speaks for itself. I just feel that in Cork there is a pyramid structure where many young players feel that they can improve their chances of being noticed by signing with Cons. In Limerick you have a much flatter structure. Undoubtedly Cons are a fine club and are my favourites to win the AIL again this season.

big time. Con influence so much bigger in cork than any club in limerick

Scottmactom

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

why focus so much on just guys in pro set up. The sport is so much more than that

quality police work.

Stainalert

Alex Thompson gone back to Terenure

Rumour Harrison Brewer also returning

Five Eighth

Dublin clubs seem to take turns in challenging for league honours - Marys, Lansdowne, Tarf- the Ulster clubs seem all over the place with different clubs coming and going into and from 1A and the Galway clubs - Corinthians and Galwegians - languishing in 2B - this season's division of death!

luke9311

Gatekeeper23 wrote: »

Any other transfer news floating about?


Ed O'Keeffe gone to Lansdowne. Pa Ryan gone to the Cookies.

Ed didn’t get much game time I don’t think with Wes last season prior to the outbreak I don’t think did he? Wasn’t he injured for abit?

The Lost Sheep

https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/sport/551981/old-crescent-rfc-confirm-backroom-team-for-new-season.html

Faugheen

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

wouldnt be so sure on Monkstown as side to be promoted.
Ashbourne and few others all bit ahead even if Monkstown have recruited heavily
they'd have plenty Michael's connections already with huge numbers of their minis going on to Michael's. They wont get near the AIL until they start fielding teams at all age groups and developing a far better development systen

they were fairly consistent for a long time in the AIL in the old division2 until around 14/15. Never really pushing for promotion or looking likely to be relegated but just drifted down the divisions after that

it shouldnt be. Standard of top level junior rugby is very high and a bit of travelling really shouldnt impact any player who has desire to play decent rugby

On that last point, I genuinely believe LL1A is a higher standard than AIL 2C.

The Lost Sheep

Faugheen wrote: »

On that last point, I genuinely believe LL1A is a higher standard than AIL 2C.

I wouldnt say entire division is but the top 8-10 junior sides at a minimum would be better than a lot of 2C sides

Stainalert

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/dermot-desmond-helps-drive-rugby-clubs-plans-over-the-line-39314432.html

luke9311

Stainalert wrote: »

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/dermot-desmond-helps-drive-rugby-clubs-plans-over-the-line-39314432.html

Surprised in a way he’s behind it and no mention of Denis O’Brien given the connections that man has with wanderers lol

Five Eighth

luke9311 wrote: »

Surprised in a way he’s behind it and no mention of Denis O’Brien given the connections that man has with wanderers lol

Watched a few matches in Merrion Road over past season or two and noticed that this sleeping giant is beginning to shake itself. They would probably have gained promotion through the play-offs last season if the season had ended naturally.

luke9311

Five Eighth wrote: »

Watched a few matches in Merrion Road over past season or two and noticed that this sleeping giant is beginning to shake itself. They would probably have gained promotion through the play-offs last season if the season had ended naturally.

Ye think? I certainly wouldnt rule them out of promo by any means tbh but i always thought malahide would have been destined to promo with the squad they have and form in last 2/3 years etc... I said it too at the start of last season to the boys on club scene podcast that it will be interesting to see what blaneys impact would be in rock in his first season and they will get promoted i wasnt too far wrong like. Think rock will be wanting to get back to their days of division 1 rugby as well tbh

Five Eighth

luke9311 wrote: »

Ye think? I certainly wouldnt rule them out of promo by any means tbh but i always thought malahide would have been destined to promo with the squad they have and form in last 2/3 years etc... I said it too at the start of last season to the boys on club scene podcast that it will be interesting to see what blaneys impact would be in rock in his first season and they will get promoted i wasnt too far wrong like. Think rock will be wanting to get back to their days of division 1 rugby as well tbh

I agree. Malahide would have won the league but, I think, Wanderers would have been promoted through the play-offs. Division 2B is very hard to call with, last year, 6 sides vying for the top 4. Very good standard in 2B last season. Couldn't really make an informed prediction as to how it's going to go this season.