AIL 2024/2025

i think rob hederman might have too…. he was talked about moving to lansdowne but i personally havent seen him play for them yet.

Leinster Rugby - Teams named for Leinster Senior Cup and Leinster Senior League finals

tarf 19 lansdowne 17

Naas 31 blackrock 28

mostly a seconds team from con and nenagh are spending their windfall money wisely

don’t be so defensive, just pointing out a couple of facts

1. It was a 2nd team by con.
2. Nenagh got a couple of million from a land sale two years ago, and nenagh results have improved since .

It was not a seconds team from Con at all. Even Dave hyland was back today. They had a very strong side.

Yes a lot of nenagh are home grown. Nenagh are paying players, and paying very well. Don't challenge me on this. I have screenshots to prove this 1000%.

I'm glad you said that.

It's a huge issue, but you're right everyone is doing it. Scandalous figures too.

All the Dublin crowds

There is very few AIL clubs in Ulster that pay players.

Serious win for Nenagh, could do very well in 1B.

Ulster senior league results have been a total mixed bag. Dungannon looking well set for a crack in 2B. Queens will be totally dependent on Ulster releases this season.

There's more than you'd think!!

On a totally unrelated subject - see Harlequins have secured another signing - Finn Bamber from Sligo

Last season was the first time in recent memory there was a 2 up and 2 down. The promotion playoff has normally been a bridge too far for 1B teams.

Marys have recruited extremely smartly and look like their worth to stay up in 1A, which should be their goal.

City of Armagh need to seriously turn around last season. They avoided the relegation playoff by virtue of more LBPs. They actually lost more games than Shannon.

Garryowen will need to have recruited smartly to deal with the rigours of 1A. Having seen their pack in person a few times last season they were a good outfit but underpowered against a lot of 1A clubs.

In 1B as ever, it's anyones game.

Blackrock look like they're finally serious about actually getting back to the top. Madigan is coaching there and they're finally reopening the link to the school. They've recruited a few very decent players. This year might be a bit too soon while their recruits age up a bit.

Belvo are a club that just don't go away. Surprised a huge amount of people to make the playoff final last season. Their 20s won the league last season which was a huge achievement as they were up against the likes of UCD, Lansdowne, Tarf, Terenure all of whom have strong u20s teams. So a potential golden generation of players coming up to the seniors. They've recruited a few heavies for the pack too and a new coaching staff. Could be a team to watch.

Nenagh Ormond are on the charge up the leagues. Not sure they'll be in the promotion hunt but it will be fun to watch them

1A

Ballynahinch v Armagh - Hard to call. Armagh.

Garryowen v Lansdowne - Lansdowne. They have been building nicely, I think.

Terenure v Cork Con - Very tough. Home advantage may play a part. Con have recruited and got guys back. Going to say con.

Mary's v Clontarf - Mary's will fight tooth and nail but think Tarf will be too strong.

UCD v Young Munster - two mid table teams. Will be close but going to say YM.

Well yeah outside them your probably looking at Belvo Shannon (although they have a young ish side this year) naas who have a decent coaching ticket this year and Wesley should be there there abouts come play offs. Trinity I think probably need another season or two before they go back up regroup build again

1a & 1b both looking very open this year - Any team capable of beating any team on the day in my opinion. Marys look to have recruited well and Garryowen look strong as well so no obvious weak teams in 1A. Old Wesley Blackrock game tonight will be really interesting - both teams with strong ambition to get promoted - Rock look like they are blooding plenty of youngsters. Game of the round has to be Terenure Cork Con. Great to have the AIL back !