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AIL 2020-2021

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Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    Rainey Banbridge off


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 328 ✭✭luke9311


    Are all the off games Covid related and/or coz the weather forecast and having no access to changing rooms etc or something else?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    luke9311 wrote: »
    Are all the off games Covid related and/or coz the weather forecast and having no access to changing rooms etc or something else?
    No idea but could be different in each game
    Garryowen have statement about postponement of their game

    http://garryowenrugby.com/news/ec1-fixtures-v-cork-constitution-fc-cancelled/


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,272 ✭✭✭Stainalert


    Few others have said they are

    Stream link for Lansdowne Old Wesley game https://lansdownerugby.com/livestream/


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    The following fixtures have been cancelled.

    The score will be 0-0 & both teams get 2 points.

    Men
    Garryowen v Cork Con
    Dungannon v City of Derry
    Terenure v St. Mary's
    Skerries v Blackrock
    Banbridge v Rainey
    Malone v Queen's


  • Registered Users Posts: 299 ✭✭Five Eighth


    luke9311 wrote: »
    Are all the off games Covid related and/or coz the weather forecast and having no access to changing rooms etc or something else?
    My guess is that all the matches that have been cancelled is because of Covid-19. Massive increase in Covid infections in the North; increases also in Dublin and Cork. If a club player is not feeling well, goes for a test and even if the results of the test isn't known, the match the player's club is fixed to play is cancelled. Part of life at the moment.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 328 ✭✭luke9311


    My guess is that all the matches that have been cancelled is because of Covid-19. Massive increase in Covid infections in the North; increases also in Dublin and Cork. If a club player is not feeling well, goes for a test and even if the results of the test isn't known, the match the player's club is fixed to play is cancelled. Part of life at the moment.

    Ah ok wasn’t aware of this... thought if it’s only a positive reading all is cancelled didn’t know about unknown results yet. I’m attached to lansdowne as a club and there’s nobody tested positive or got tested yet from what I know of anyways


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    https://www.irishrugby.ie/2020/10/07/number-of-club-rugby-matches-to-be-reduced-to-mitigate-covid-19-risk/

    The IRFU Rugby Committee have voted unanimously to reduce the number of matches permitted in all four provinces.

    The decision has been made based on the latest medical and public health advice.

    The following are the only domestic rugby matches permitted in all four provinces.

    Energia Men’s Community Series – All Conferences.
    Energia Women’s Community Series – Connacht Conference 1, Leinster Conference, Munster Conference 1, Ulster Conference.
    The Energia Community Series was first announced in July as a competition to allow senior adult clubs play only localised games as a means of mitigating the possible transmission of COVID-19.

    No other adult or underage fixtures including competitive and friendly matches are permitted.

    Rugby training at all levels of the game may continue with protective measures in place, as per government guidelines.

    The committee wish to clarify that the following matches are also no longer permitted in Level 3.

    Adult Provincial Qualifying League Matches
    U20 Premier matches
    Conference 2 matches in the Energia Women’s Community Series
    These measures will remain in place for all competitions until October 27th, after which an update will be provided.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 328 ✭✭luke9311


    https://www.irishrugby.ie/2020/10/07/number-of-club-rugby-matches-to-be-reduced-to-mitigate-covid-19-risk/

    The IRFU Rugby Committee have voted unanimously to reduce the number of matches permitted in all four provinces.

    The decision has been made based on the latest medical and public health advice.

    The following are the only domestic rugby matches permitted in all four provinces.

    Energia Men’s Community Series – All Conferences.
    Energia Women’s Community Series – Connacht Conference 1, Leinster Conference, Munster Conference 1, Ulster Conference.
    The Energia Community Series was first announced in July as a competition to allow senior adult clubs play only localised games as a means of mitigating the possible transmission of COVID-19.

    No other adult or underage fixtures including competitive and friendly matches are permitted.

    Rugby training at all levels of the game may continue with protective measures in place, as per government guidelines.

    The committee wish to clarify that the following matches are also no longer permitted in Level 3.

    Adult Provincial Qualifying League Matches
    U20 Premier matches
    Conference 2 matches in the Energia Women’s Community Series
    These measures will remain in place for all competitions until October 27th, after which an update will be provided.

    My club tweeted the same regarding our u20 and j2/j3 teams in the metro leagues if I’m honest from a metro point of view I think the 27th of October thing will be pushed back further..


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    Wegians Corinthians and Sundays Well Clonmel off tomorrow


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,094 ✭✭✭Beau


    This isn't sustainable... Is it really worth playing amateur
    games right now?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    Beau wrote: »
    This isn't sustainable... Is it really worth playing amateur games right now?
    I think it is. They changed structures. Limited travel for parts of the season.

    Sport and physical activity has played an important role in the response to Covid-19 from both a social and wellbeing perspective. Its important that we still have the opportunity to participate and compete, however we need to make sure this is done in a safe manner.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,272 ✭✭✭Stainalert


    I think it is. They changed structures. Limited travel for parts of the season.

    Sport and physical activity has played an important role in the response to Covid-19 from both a social and wellbeing perspective. Its important that we still have the opportunity to participate and compete, however we need to make sure this is done in a safe manner.

    Agree with all of that Lost Sheep


  • Registered Users Posts: 299 ✭✭Five Eighth


    I think it is. They changed structures. Limited travel for parts of the season.

    Sport and physical activity has played an important role in the response to Covid-19 from both a social and wellbeing perspective. Its important that we still have the opportunity to participate and compete, however we need to make sure this is done in a safe manner.
    Thoughtful answer to a fair question. As usual, there are at least two sides to the argument. I think the mental and physical well-being of younger people, in particular, is coming under severe strain during this pandemic. Therefore, i agree with playing matches under strict guidelines. We must try and live as best we can with Covid. The problem is that the matches are becoming competitively meaningless.


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  • Site Banned Posts: 12,341 ✭✭✭✭Faugheen


    Has Ben Murphy (Irish U20s 9) moved from Clontarf to Old Wesley?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    Saturday October 10th 2020



    Energia Men's Community Series Connacht Conference:

    Ballina 14 Sligo 36 RES

    Galwegians 0 Galway Corinthians 0 RES*



    Energia Men's Community Series Leinster Conference 1:

    Clontarf 34 Naas 7 RES

    Old Wesley 30 Old Belvedere 18 RES

    St. Mary's College 10 Lansdowne 13 RES

    Terenure College 31 Dublin University 36 RES



    Energia Men's Community Series Leinster Conference 2:

    Blackrock College 0 Navan 0 RES*

    Greystones 24 Wanderers 38 RES

    Malahide 21 Tullamore 10 RES

    Skerries 5 MU Barnhall 52 RES



    Energia Men's Community Series Munster Conference 1:

    Cork Constitution 28 Cashel 17 RES

    Shannon 0 Highfield 0 RES*

    UCC 26 Old Crescent 26 RES

    Young Munster 27 Garryowen 15 RES



    Energia Men's Community Series Munster Conference 2:

    Bruff 20 Midleton 19 RES

    Nenagh Ormond 14 UL Bohemian 8 RES

    Sundays Well 0 Clonmel 0 RES*



    Energia Men's Community Series Ulster Conference 1:

    Ballynahinch 17 Queen's University 20 RES

    City Of Armagh 24 Banbridge 24 RES

    Rainey Old Boys 17 Malone 10 RES



    Energia Men's Community Series Ulster Conference 2:

    Bangor 41 Ballymena 34 RES

    City Of Derry 0 Belfast Harlequins 0 RES*

    Omagh Academicals 10 Dungannon 13 RES


  • Registered Users Posts: 135 ✭✭Purist98


    Faugheen wrote: »
    Has Ben Murphy (Irish U20s 9) moved from Clontarf to Old Wesley?

    Yes


  • Registered Users Posts: 636 ✭✭✭Chico Flores


    Some hard losses for us, but quite a few new faces taking time to click

    Its great clubs are doing the streaming service though. Trinity are a fine side who play lovely rugby.


  • Registered Users Posts: 299 ✭✭Five Eighth


    Some hard losses for us, but quite a few new faces taking time to click

    Its great clubs are doing the streaming service though. Trinity are a fine side who play lovely rugby.
    Noticed a few new names in the Terenure line-ups over the last few matches. Has the club lost some players? Retirements?


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  • Registered Users Posts: 636 ✭✭✭Chico Flores


    Noticed a few new names in the Terenure line-ups over the last few matches. Has the club lost some players? Retirements?

    Not too many. Some lads stepping out with Covid, few lads using it all as a break and others just not selected


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 458 ✭✭stellenbosch


    Purist98 wrote: »
    Yes

    Murphy wasnt going to get much game time at Tarf with Lloyd and Feeney ahead of him.

    Watched the stream of Tarf/Naas-Tarf played some lovely rugby with Lloyd Courtney and D'Arcy in the centres very prominent


  • Registered Users Posts: 636 ✭✭✭Chico Flores


    Murphy wasnt going to get much game time at Tarf with Lloyd and Feeney ahead of him.

    Watched the stream of Tarf/Naas-Tarf played some lovely rugby with Lloyd Courtney and D'Arcy in the centres very prominent

    Is Ben Murphy any good, would be expecting a lad with the Ireland 20s to be stepping forward not down a division in AIL, game time or not.


  • Registered Users Posts: 636 ✭✭✭Chico Flores


    Murphy wasnt going to get much game time at Tarf with Lloyd and Feeney ahead of him.

    Watched the stream of Tarf/Naas-Tarf played some lovely rugby with Lloyd Courtney and D'Arcy in the centres very prominent

    Who is playing 10 for them? Have they brought in many lads?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 458 ✭✭stellenbosch


    Who is playing 10 for them? Have they brought in many lads?

    Con Kelly

    Conor Kearns at 15 ex Trinity and Oxford university full back only one of note to date


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    Brian McLaughlin has resigned from his position at Ballynahinch RFC with immediate effect. He considered stepping down at the end of last season but given the uncertainty surrounding the restart of rugby, agreed to stay on to provide continuity heading into the 2020-21 season.
    He has now decided it is the right time for him to leave. Brian had a very successful three seasons back at Ballymacarn Park with the AIL 1B and SONI Ulster Premiership double in 2018-19 the obvious highlight.
    Ballynahinch RFC would like to thank Brian for his unstinting hard work and commitment to the club over three spells in a relationship going back almost two decades. We wish him all the best and will always regard him as a 'Hinch' man.

    From their facebook page


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    The IRFU have received clarity from government on the status of domestic rugby amid ongoing public health measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.

    The Northern Ireland Executive have advised that from Friday October 16th, no “organised contact sport involving household mixing other than at elite level” can take place. Amateur club rugby is not classified as an elite sport under this regulation.

    On October 14th 2020, the Government of Ireland removed the exemption for club championship matches from Level 3 of their Plan for Living with COVID-19. The Energia Community Series is no longer exempt from Level 3 training and match restrictions.

    As a result the Energia Community Series is suspended in all four provinces with immediate effect until further notice.

    All clubs in Level 3 and Level 4 areas are now restricted to “Non contact training only in pods of up to 15.”

    https://www.irishrugby.ie/2020/10/15/irfu-domestic-rugby-update/


  • Registered Users Posts: 38 Purple Fox


    Looks like there will be another announcement today, there could be no Rugby before Christmas the way its going.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,024 ✭✭✭bayern


    Purple Fox wrote: »
    Looks like there will be another announcement today, there could be no Rugby before Christmas the way its going.

    safe to assume there won't be.


  • Registered Users Posts: 308 ✭✭RuPi


    Has there been much talk in the other Provinces about the plans and movement out of the current lockdown. I would presume to reintegrate team training and contact we will be looking at best no rugby until January and then picking up the community series rather than AIL?


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  • Registered Users Posts: 38 Purple Fox


    You would have to assume looking at the picture as a whole AIL may just not happen this year and resume in 2021/22 season? Keep playing the Energia Series and possibly the Senior Cups and maybe come april/may the bateman?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    RuPi wrote: »
    Has there been much talk in the other Provinces about the plans and movement out of the current lockdown. I would presume to reintegrate team training and contact we will be looking at best no rugby until January and then picking up the community series rather than AIL?
    Nothing much. Possibly could be that way as we would be waiting until we get down to stage 2 to allow contact training and then a few weeks before games would be able to be played.
    Purple Fox wrote: »
    You would have to assume looking at the picture as a whole AIL may just not happen this year and resume in 2021/22 season? Keep playing the Energia Series and possibly the Senior Cups and maybe come april/may the bateman?
    Possibly season should be like that.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    IRFU just released statement about the league
    https://www.irishrugby.ie/2020/12/04/irfu-targets-energia-community-series-resumption/

    No restart january 9th. Most likely will be community series when games return


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,851 ✭✭✭ionadnapokot


    Piece on the state of the Club game in todays IT
    Copy of some of the article


    At his end-of-year briefing with the media when this reporter asked David Nucifora about the club game, the Union’s high performance director said: “I’ve had my hands full with the professional game and I haven’t really been across where that’s at with the club and school games.”

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

    The clubs are the grassroots of the game. Simple as
    To a degree, Nucifora was entitled to say that the club game was not really part of his remit. Even so, the provinces report to the IRFU’s High Performance unit, which in turn reports to Nucifora. There is a link from the professional game down to the club game, and that’s how it should be.


    It is in Irish rugby’s interest that the AIL is a vibrant element of the pyramid. Both the senior and academy squads in the provinces, not to mention the Irish squad, are littered with players who started playing mini rugby with their clubs and sharpened their development at academy or professional level in the AIL. The clubs are the grassroots of the game. Simple as.

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

    For sure there is a richer conveyor belt of talent coming from the schools in other provinces, especially Leinster
    As recently as 2015-16, both Division 1A and 1B each had representation from all four provinces. But in two of the ensuing four seasons 1A has been a Leinster-Munster carve-up, which is not much use to anybody, and last season (2019-20) Ballynahinch were propping up 1A, with three more Ulster clubs in 2B, but there wasn’t a solitary Connacht club in the top two flights.


    Buccaneers have dropped two tiers in three seasons to Division 2B while Galwegians, in 1A five seasons ago, have suffered three relegations in five seasons to languish in the fourth tier, 2B, along with Corinthians, Sligo and Ballina.

    For sure there is a richer conveyor belt of talent coming from the schools in other provinces, especially Leinster, but Connacht clearly could have been doing more for their clubs, and the Connacht clubs could have been doing more for themselves.


    It’s also hard to credit Ballymena in 2A and fellow former champions Dungannon in 2B, along with Belfast Harlequins, whereas Banbridge and City of Armagh have risen to 1B, but there you go.

    In advance of the 2018-19 season, the IRFU increased the number of professional players who could play in the AIL top two divisions from four to six (with a maximum of three forwards) which, as well as making the AIL more relevant, can only increase standards. There is no limit on academy players, who can also play in any division, although clearly UCD and Trinity, both in 1A, benefit the most from this source.

    The problem here is that no pro players from Connacht can be made available to clubs from the province as they are all outside the top two divisions.

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

    A top division, or two, more closely aligned to the professional game, would be a huge boost to the club game. In its marketing and presentation, the IRFU treats all five divisions equally bit this could also be an opportunity to spruce up the top flight; market it better; give it its own Youtube channel etc.

    Maybe it’s time the top division went semi-pro? Maybe there could be an amalgamation or two for the top tier of the AIL only while retaining separate status, i.e Galwegians and Corinthians competing as the City of the Tribes? Whatever it takes.

    This hiatus provides a window of opportunity. But if it’s not grasped now, it may never be.

    https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/gerry-thornley-irfu-must-grasp-this-opportunity-for-club-game-1.4461644


  • Registered Users Posts: 308 ✭✭RuPi


    It is a good article, will be interesting what happens, I thought if the Community Series had got up and running then some clubs in Division 2 may have been happy to go to regional conferences in to try and limit travel and potentially increase spectators.
    I thought some of the clubs in Leinster and Munster did really well for those first few weeks with streams and some even with commentators. Ulster clubs were allowed limited spectators so maybe not the same need for it. If clubs keep this going when unlimited spectators will be allowed back will be interesting, as it could limit people through the gate.

    The YouTube channel idea is interesting, I would love to see BBC and RTE work with the clubs to but together an online highlights programme, BBC did this for the Irish League and it was very good, I know RTE is different as it has Against the head and their League of Ireland highlights show on air. The Ulster A game seemed to get a lot of interest on Iplayer with people asking about a number of players, hopefully it may make them want to get out and watch these young players in club games when they get going.

    I unfortunately can’t see us getting any rugby this season even with it being extended to mid May. Ulster clubs were asked for their views on it following the meeting Thursday.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,154 ✭✭✭Lost Ormond


    RuPi wrote: »
    It is a good article, will be interesting what happens, I thought if the Community Series had got up and running then some clubs in Division 2 may have been happy to go to regional conferences in to try and limit travel and potentially increase spectators.
    I thought some of the clubs in Leinster and Munster did really well for those first few weeks with streams and some even with commentators. Ulster clubs were allowed limited spectators so maybe not the same need for it. If clubs keep this going when unlimited spectators will be allowed back will be interesting, as it could limit people through the gate.

    The YouTube channel idea is interesting, I would love to see BBC and RTE work with the clubs to but together an online highlights programme, BBC did this for the Irish League and it was very good, I know RTE is different as it has Against the head and their League of Ireland highlights show on air. The Ulster A game seemed to get a lot of interest on Iplayer with people asking about a number of players, hopefully it may make them want to get out and watch these young players in club games when they get going.

    I unfortunately can’t see us getting any rugby this season even with it being extended to mid May. Ulster clubs were asked for their views on it following the meeting Thursday.
    Some clubs would have been happier but motorways make the travel so much easier now so its not like it used to be.
    Possibly change all divisions that 2nds play same team, same venue before or after games every single weekend to try boost things. Would reduce players having to sub Saturday and turn out Sunday for the seconds etc
    Would help with bringing some away fans and craic to some games which have few to no away fans at all.
    There's dozens of regular contributors here and many thousands who watch the provinces regularly but never are near club grounds and that needs to change for the sport to do better
    Clubs have been videoing games for years and with the games that were behind closed doors they started streaming them. Hopefully that can be kept up
    There was interest in the Ulster A game but for so many people its usually with an eye on who is next up for the Province and they dont turn up to follow them/watch them when they play with their clubs.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,154 ✭✭✭Lost Ormond




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,154 ✭✭✭Lost Ormond


    Petititon from an AIL player looking for a reduction in senior games per season

    https://www.change.org/p/irfu-shorten-the-ail-rugby-season-2021-22

    Thoughts on this?


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,165 ✭✭✭Anatom


    Not an unreasonable or, unfortunately, unusual argument. Fair play to him.

    I can't see anyone in authority agreeing to taking that many matches off the calendar, but I do think there is a case to be made for reducing the number of matches (and we're talking at amateur level here only, of course) that players are required or are being asked to play.

    That, or a system whereby player appearances are capped at a certain level which they cannot go beyond (either in matches played or minutes played, they can be easily reported and tracked) during the season.

    Perhaps, given the year we've had, it is exactly the right time to be having this conversation. Its not looking like we'll be allowing amateur teams to go back to playing before the early autumn I'd say. That may also depend on vaccine roll-out etc.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,154 ✭✭✭Lost Ormond


    Anatom wrote: »
    Not an unreasonable or, unfortunately, unusual argument. Fair play to him.

    I can't see anyone in authority agreeing to taking that many matches off the calendar, but I do think there is a case to be made for reducing the number of matches (and we're talking at amateur level here only, of course) that players are required or are being asked to play.

    That, or a system whereby player appearances are capped at a certain level which they cannot go beyond (either in matches played or minutes played, they can be easily reported and tracked) during the season.

    Perhaps, given the year we've had, it is exactly the right time to be having this conversation. Its not looking like we'll be allowing amateur teams to go back to playing before the early autumn I'd say. That may also depend on vaccine roll-out etc.
    Would find a lot of players wouldnt agree IMO. Theres plenty that dont get enough games as is,
    Capping minutes or games would be quite difficult to do on fairness scale. Would affect a lot of clubs far more than others. Clubs in cities with 3/4/5 adult teams and 20s on top compared to others with just about 1sts/2nds


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,165 ✭✭✭Anatom


    That's one of the disparities alright. Playing populations can vary wildly, depending on location.


  • Registered Users Posts: 299 ✭✭Five Eighth


    Don't agree with curtailing the number of games in the AIL. It is, after all, the premier club competition in the country. Maybe there maybe a case for dropping some of the games in the other competitions and/or using squad players fully in non-AIL games while rotating first-choice players. Nine games in the AIL would make for a very short league season. Also, depending on the draw, playing away to a cluster of top four clubs could end your season very early indeed.


  • Registered Users Posts: 265 ✭✭Strand1970


    Maybe have relegation/ promotion every second year, based on 18 games over 2 years. But it would be messy as squads change and a player might be with an opposing team the second year. Some of the smaller AIL clubs really struggle at times to field a competitive second team due to numbers and injuries and players just feel obliged to play.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,154 ✭✭✭Lost Ormond


    Don't agree with curtailing the number of games in the AIL. It is, after all, the premier club competition in the country. Maybe there maybe a case for dropping some of the games in the other competitions and/or using squad players fully in non-AIL games while rotating first-choice players. Nine games in the AIL would make for a very short league season. Also, depending on the draw, playing away to a cluster of top four clubs could end your season very early indeed.
    It is the premier club competition in country but 18 games is a lot especially when you add in weekends for knockouts.
    What competitions/games would you drop as theres few enough competitions for some sides to win/have decent shot to win as it is.
    Strand1970 wrote: »
    Maybe have relegation/ promotion every second year, based on 18 games over 2 years. But it would be messy as squads change and a player might be with an opposing team the second year. Some of the smaller AIL clubs really struggle at times to field a competitive second team due to numbers and injuries and players just feel obliged to play.
    I wouldnt like that and not sure any players would either. If your club struggled in the first year losing all games and had to play all those sides again even with some transfers it would be hard to build motivation for many.


  • Registered Users Posts: 299 ✭✭Five Eighth


    It is the premier club competition in country but 18 games is a lot especially when you add in weekends for knockouts.
    What competitions/games would you drop as theres few enough competitions for some sides to win/have decent shot to win as it is.


    Give squad players more time playing friendlies and senior cup. No need for Community Shield with a full AIL fixture list.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,154 ✭✭✭Lost Ormond


    It is the premier club competition in country but 18 games is a lot especially when you add in weekends for knockouts.
    What competitions/games would you drop as theres few enough competitions for some sides to win/have decent shot to win as it is.


    Give squad players more time playing friendlies and senior cup. No need for Community Shield with a full AIL fixture list.
    Community Series is only happening with current restrictions on travel but some more localised games isnt necessarily a bad thing. People arent attending games and if you get more games closer to clubs it can help attract fans into the grounds.
    Just providing more games through friendlies isnt good enough.
    Leinster needs to have a proper senior cup. Its a joke that most clubs havent competed in the competition in years


  • Registered Users Posts: 636 ✭✭✭Chico Flores


    With GAA being pushed to April at the earliest, that will be that for the season. Teams would need a few weeks to get back up to speed for contact and then harder ground etc as you move into the summer

    Best we can hope for is tag rugby in the summer I think


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,154 ✭✭✭Lost Ormond


    With GAA being pushed to April at the earliest, that will be that for the season. Teams would need a few weeks to get back up to speed for contact and then harder ground etc as you move into the summer

    Best we can hope for is tag rugby in the summer I think

    Major incentive for all clubs to run a big tag season. IRFU tag should be expanded dramatically from current number of clubs for this summer at least.

    7s could get a big boost as well with its summer competitions. IRFU could try start to develop a 7s clubs series and tie in the various tournaments like Kinsale, Connemara, Carrickfergus, Marble City 7s in Kilkenny.
    Then add a few more like a Dublin City event based in Donnybrook, also use Belvedere and maybe Herbert Park like some of the past events have done.

    Create a proper series, market the hell out of it. Have Energia or another big sponsor cover it.
    Have a Senior mens, junior mens, a womens and age grade competitions. Build on it for future years.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,024 ✭✭✭bayern


    just play summer rugby.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,154 ✭✭✭Lost Ormond


    bayern wrote: »
    just play summer rugby.

    Many clubs wouldnt want it. Doesnt make sense to go up against GAA and all summer events.


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