Rugby’s All Ireland League is cancelled for the second season in a row
By Shane Brophy
It came as no surprise to clubs when the IRFU confirmed last week that the 2020/21 Energia All Ireland Leagues for men and women will not proceed, due to the on-going impact of Covid-19.
The shortened All-Ireland Leagues were due to get underway last month but with Level 5 restrictions in place until at least March 5th, providing teams the time to prepare as well as play the games in a short timeframe before the summer wasn’t feasible.
The IRFU and the four provinces will now work with clubs to look at the completion of the Engeria Community Series which were called to a halt last October, where Nenagh Ormond had won three game from three and still have three games to play, and could be slotted in April if restrictions allow.
With the 2019/2020 All-Ireland League having also been cancelled last March and this seasons competition not taking place, it could lead to an eighteen-month void for clubs by the time the competition gets up and running again, restrictions allowing next Autumn.
“As Covid-19 continues to impact our lives we had to make the difficult decision to cancel the 2020/21 All Ireland Leagues and the women’s interprovincial championship,” said Greg Barrett, Chairperson of the IRFU Rugby Committee.
“A huge amount of work is on-going, and we continue to look at avenues that may provide players and clubs with the rugby that they love.
“In the meantime, we will continue to innovate and develop education opportunities that can help players developing skills beyond the traditional forms of training for the game. With over 10,000 players signed up to our ‘Level Up’ workshops, we are helping players develop understanding and skills that will stand to them for many seasons to come.
“Our commitment to players and our clubs remains clear – we will continue to adopt a flexible approach to season planning and will proceed with rugby when cleared to do so by government guidelines.”
The IRFU will also review alternative forms of rugby, such as Lucozade Sport Touch and Volkswagen Tag, which may provide players with much sought after rugby later in the year.