All-Ireland League (rugby union)

The All-Ireland League (AIL), known for sponsorship reasons as the Energia All-Ireland League, is the national league system for the 50 senior rugby union clubs in Ireland, covering both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The league was inaugurated in the 1990–91 season.

All-Ireland League
SportRugby union
Instituted1990
Number of teams50
NationsIreland
HoldersCork Constitution (6th title) (2018–19)
Most titlesShannon (9 titles)
Websitewww.irishrugby.ie

The league is the second highest level of rugby union in Ireland, as professional teams representing the four provinces of Ireland play in the Pro14.

Division 1 sides may field no more than two professional players in their matchday sides, and only one may be a forward. Division 2 sides may not field professional players. Foreign professional players may not play in the League.[1]

Competition format

The league is divided into five divisions of ten teams each. Teams play each other team in the division twice per season (once at home and once away), for a total of 18 regular-season matches.[2] The season runs from mid-September until mid-April, with an approximately four-week break in matches from mid-December to early-January. At the end of the season, the top four teams in division 1A enter a play off semi-finals and a final for the championship.

Promotion and relegation

At the end of each season the bottom team in division 1A is replaced by the top team in division 1B, with the second-bottom team entering a promotion/relegation play-off with the second-placed team in 1B. The bottom two teams in 1B, 2A and 2B are relegated and replaced by the top two teams from divisions 2A, 2B and 2C respectively.

The two teams finishing bottom of division 2C are relegated to the relevant provincial league, and replaced by the two teams finishing top of a "round robin" tournament between the four provincial league winners. The four provincial junior leagues are the Connacht Junior League, the Leinster League, the Munster Junior League and the Ulster Championship League.

History

Prior to 1990, there was no national league in Ireland. Each of the four provincial unions had its own cup and league tournament. In 1991, after almost five years of discussion and consultation with clubs, the All-Ireland League (AIL) was introduced with two divisions, division 1 with 9 clubs and division 2 with 10 clubs.[3][4][5] The AIL was expanded to four divisions in 1993–94,[6] with small variations in the numbers of teams per division in subsequent seasons.[7][8]

In 2000–01 the league was restructured to three divisions, each with 16 teams.[9] After the 1995 introduction of professionalism in rugby union, the IRFU increased the importance of the provinces, which from 2002 participated in the Celtic League (now the Pro14) as full-time teams rather than ad hoc selections of club players. Therefore, the best Irish players no longer played in the AIL. In 2004 the IRFU proposed scrapping the All-Ireland League and reintroducing a provincial league system in 2005–06 which would act as qualifiers for a curtailed three division AIL structure in the second half of the season, but this model did not receive the support of clubs or rugby pundits.[10][11] In 2007 the IRFU agreed that the structure of the All-Ireland League would remain as three divisions with 16 clubs each for seasons 2008–09 and 2009–10. In 2009–10, division 1 was split into 1A and 1B with eight teams in each as a trial and then continued in season 2010–11.[12] In 2011–12 division 1A and 1B had 10 clubs each and divisions 2 and 3 were reformatted as divisions 2A and 2B with 16 clubs in each division.[12]

Previous winners

† From season 1990–91 through to 1996–97, the team placing top of Division 1 was crowned AIL League Champion
‡ From season 1997–98, playoffs were introduced which was contested by the top four teams in Division 1 for the title of AIL League Champion; in the semi-finals the top placed team played the 4th placed team and the 2nd placed team the 3rd placed team
§ The title in 2013–14 was decided on final league position; there were no play-offs.

Club statistics

The All-Ireland League has been dominated by teams from Limerick (Shannon, Garryowen, and Young Munster) who have won 13 out of 29 titles. Teams from Munster have won 19 out of 29.

Team Wins Finals Winning Seasons First Final/
Runner-up		 Last Final/
Runner-up
Shannon 9 10 1994–95, 1995–96, 1996–97, 1997–98, 2001–02, 2003–04, 2004–05, 2005–06, 2008–09 1991–92 2008–09
Cork Constitution 6 13 1990–91, 1998–99, 2007–08, 2009–10, 2016–17, 2018–19 1990–91 2018–19
Garryowen 3 8 1991–92, 1993–94, 2006–07 1990–91 2007–08
Lansdowne 3 5 2012–13, 2014–15, 2017–18 1996–97 2017–18
Clontarf 2 8 2013–14, 2015–16 2002–03 2018–19
St Mary's College 2 4 1999–2000, 2011–12 1999–2000 2011–12
Old Belvedere 1 2 2010–11 2010–11 2013–14
Young Munster 1 2 1992–93 1992–93 2011–12
Ballymena 1 1 2002–03 2002–03 2002–03
Dungannon 1 1 2000–01 2000–01 2000–01
Belfast Harlequins 0 1 2004–05 2004–05
Blackrock 0 1 1994–95 1994–95

Teams

Divisions for the 2019–20 season.

Division 1A
Location of teams in the 2019-20 All-Ireland League Division 1A
Team Location Stadium Capacity
BallynahinchDownBallymacarn Park1,000
ClontarfDublin (Clontarf)Castle Avenue3,200
Cork ConstitutionCork (Ballintemple)Temple Hill1,000
Dublin UniversityDublinCollege Park200
GarryowenLimerickDooradoyle1,500
LansdowneDublin (Ballsbridge)Aviva Stadium (Back Pitch)1,000
Terenure CollegeDublin (Terenure)Lakelands Park3,000
UCCCorkMardyke Arena5,000
UCDDublin (Belfield)UCD Bowl3,000
Young MunsterLimerickTom Clifford Park1,000

Division 1B
Location of teams in the 2019-20 All-Ireland League Division 1B
Team Location Stadium Capacity
ArmaghArmaghPalace Grounds1,000
BanbridgeBanbridgeRifle Park1,000
HighfieldCorkWoodleigh Park4,000
MaloneBelfast (Cregagh)Gibson Park1,000
NaasNaasForenaughts3,000
NavanNavanBalreask Old4,000
Old BelvedereDublin (Ballsbridge)Anglesea Road1,000
Old WesleyDublin (Donnybrook)Donnybrook Rugby Ground7,000
ShannonLimerickThomond Park / Coonagh26,500
St Mary's CollegeDublin (Templeogue)Templeville Road4,000

Division 2A
Location of teams in the 2019-20 All-Ireland League Division 2A
Team Location Stadium Capacity
BallymenaAntrimEaton Park1,000
BuccaneersAthloneDubarry Park10,000
CashelCashelSpafield2,500
DolphinCorkMusgrave Park8,008
MU BarnhallLeixlipParsonstown1,000
Nenagh OrmondNenaghNew Ormond Park1,000
Old CrescentLimerickRosbrien4,000
Queen's UniversityBelfastDub Lane1,000
Rainey Old BoysMagherafeltHatrick Park1,000
UL BohemiansLimerickUniversity of Limerick / Annacotty1,000

Division 2B
Location of teams in the 2019-20 All-Ireland League Division 2B
Team Location Stadium Capacity
BallinaMayoHeffernan Park1,000
Belfast HarlequinsBelfastDeramore Park1,000
Blackrock CollegeDublin (Blackrock)Stradbrook Road4,000
DungannonDungannonStevenson Park1,000
Galway CorinthiansGalwayCorinthian Park1,000
GalwegiansGalwayCrowley Park2,000
GreystonesGreystonesDr Hickey Park1,000
MalahideDublin (Malahide)Estuary Road1,000
SligoStrandhillHamilton Park1,000
WanderersDublin (Ballsbridge)Merrion Road1,000

Division 2C
Location of teams in the 2019-20 All-Ireland League Division 2C
Team Location Stadium Capacity
BangorBangorUpritchard Park
BruffBruffKilballyowen Park1,000
City of DerryDerry (Strathfoyle)Judges Road1,000
ClonmelClonmelArd Gaoithe4,000
EnniscorthyWexfordRoss Road1,000
MidletonMidletonTowns Park400
OmaghOmaghThomas Mellon Playing Fields1,000
SkerriesDublin (Skerries)Holmpatrick1,000
Sundays WellCorkMusgrave Park8,008
TullamoreTullamoreSpollanstown1,000

Sponsorship

The All-Ireland League was not sponsored in the initial season, but was sponsored for six years by Insurance Corporation of Ireland.[76][77][78] The League was sponsored by Allied Irish Banks from 1998 to 2010,[79][80][81] Ulster Bank from 2010 to 2019,[82][83] 2018/19 season was not sponsored and Energia since the 2019–20 season.[84]

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See also

References
  1. http://www.irishrugby.ie/6855_20932.php%5B%5D
  2. Ups and Downs in AIL Archived 13 September 2016 at the Wayback Machine
  3. Irish Times. (1990). New League structure is exciting challenge, 17 September, Sport, page A6
  4. Irish Times. (1991). On Rugby: All-Ireland League highlight of the season, 30 April, page 18
  5. Irish Times. (1995). Imperative for Ireland that AIL continues, 10 October, page 16
  6. Sunday Independent. (1994). Insurance Corporation AIL, 10 April, Sport, page 22L
  7. Irish Examiner. (1995). AIL Tables, 3 April, Sports, page 16
  8. Sunday Independent. (1996). Insurance Corporation League, 28 April, Sport page 8
  9. Irish Independent. (2000). Top clubs facing choice over season's start time, 15 December, Sport, page 21
  10. Irish Times. Rugby News: Existing format of AIL to be scrapped, 21 February, Sport Supplement, page B3
  11. Irish Independent. (2004) IRFU reveal blueprint to overhaul club structures, 22 February, Sport, page 2
  12. Irish Times. (2010). Rugby News: New Format for All-Ireland League, 29 July, page 22
  13. Sunday Independent. (1991). Con-gratulations: Garryowen 3 pts Constitution 9 pts, 27 January, Sport 3, page 33
  14. Irish Examiner (1991). Conqurerors: Garryowen 3 Cork Constitution 9, 28 January, page 20
  15. Limerick Leader (1992). Simply the best!: Cork Constitution 11 Garryowen 15, 24 February, page 1
  16. Irish Independent. (1992). In a league of their own: Dooradoyle delight as Garryowen celebrate finest hour, 24 February, Sport, page 8
  17. Irish Times. (1992). Honours-laden Garryowen enjoy greatest hour, 24 February, page 17
  18. Irish Independent. (1993). Munster's set for the mother of all parties, 15 February, Sport, page 10
  19. Irish Examiner. (1993). Glory, Glory Munsters: St Mary's College 14 Young Munster 17, 15 February, Sports, page 6
  20. Irish Times. (1993). The day Young Munster took Dublin by storm: St Mary's Col 14 Young Munster 17, 15 February, page 13
  21. Sunday Independent. (1994). 'Rock left to sing the blues: Garryowen 9 Blackrock 3, 10 April, Sport, page 22L
  22. Sunday Independent. (1994). Garryowen weather storm to snatch league glory, 10 April, Sport, page 22L
  23. Irish Times. (1994). Garryowen deserve emotional victory, 11 April, Sport, page A6
  24. Irish Examiner (1995). Shannon supreme: Shannon 16, Instonians 13, 3 April, Sports, page 16
  25. Irish Times. (1995). Shannon celebrate with unbeaten record: Shannon 16 Instonians 13, 3 April, Sport, page A6
  26. Sunday Independent. (1996). Munsters spoil party: Garryowen 12 Young Munster 37, 28 April, Sport, 1S
  27. Limerick Leader. (1996). Tears of joy as Shannon take it, 29 April, page 11
  28. Limerick Leader. (1997). A league of their own, 7 April, Leadersport, page 1
  29. Limerick Leader. (1997). The Cup that floweth over!: Shannon 28 Old Crescent 15, 7 April, pages 14-15
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  33. Irish Independent. (1998). Rugby: Shannon goes forth in the style of true champions, 27 April, Sports Supplement, page 7
  34. Sunday Independent. (1999). Rugby: Con go extra yard - Garryowen pat the penalty for missed opportunities, 2 May, Sport, page 23
  35. Irish Times. (1999). A tired Bradley makes history, 3 May, page A7
  36. Irish Examiner. (1999). Constitution bravehearts dig deepest in marathon, 3 May, Sports, page 22
  37. Irish Times. (2000). Brennan enjoys a choking release, 22 May, Sport, page A7
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  39. Sunday Independent. (2001). Dungannon deliver: Dungannon 46 Cork Constitution 12, 27 May, Sport, page S1
  40. Irish Times. (2001). Rugby: All-Ireland Leagur Final - Dungannon prove class act, Dungannon 46 Cork Constitution 12, 28 May, Sport, page 5
  41. Irish Times. (2001). Rugby: Shannon set standard again - Shannon 21 Cork Constitution 17, 6 May, Sport, page A5
  42. Sunday Independent. (2002). Rugby: Shannon bank league title - Shannon 21 Cork Con 17, 5 May, Sport, page8
  43. Irish Times. (2003). All-Ireland League First Division Final: Dream Topping try tops it off nicely, Clontarf 18 Ballymena 28, 12 May, Sport, page A5
  44. Sunday Independent. (2003). Rugby: That old black magic - Ballymena 28 Clontarf 18, 11 May, Sport, page 14
  45. Irish Times. (2004). Rugby: AIL League Division One Final - Depth of Shannon proves the difference, Shannon 22 Cork Constitution 16, 10 May, Sport, page A8
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  47. Irish Times. (2005). Rugby, All-Ireland League, Division One Final - Shannon keep winning habit - Shannon 25 Belfast Harlequins 20, 9 May, Sport, page 110
  48. Sunday Independent. (2005). Shannon survive a late scare to claim title, 8 May, Sport, page 12
  49. Sunday Independent. (2006). AIB League Finals: Clontarf blitzed by Shannon's fluent flow - Shannon 30 Clontarf 3, 14 May, Sport, page 14,
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  52. Sunday Independent. (2007). Kicking Hickey hold his nerve, 6 May, Sport, page 10
  53. Irish Times. (2008). All-Ireland League Final: Manning ensures Constitution finish job - Cork Constitution 18 Garryowen 8, 12 May, Sport Supplement, page A6
  54. Irish Independent. (2008). Manning banishes demons for Cork Con: Cork Con 18 Garryowen 8, 12 May, Sport, page 21
  55. Irish Times. (2009). Shannon have last say with first try - Shannon 19 Clontarf 19 (after extra time: two tries each, but Shannon win for scoring first try), 11 May, Sports Supplement, page A5
  56. Irish Independent. (2009). O'Donovan try draws relief for Shannon: Shannon 19 Clontarf 19 (Shannon win on first try scored), 11 May, Sport, page 28
  57. Irish Times. (2010). Rugby AIB All Ireland League Finals: Cork Constitution go the distance - Cork Constitution 17 St Mary's College 10, 10 May, Sports Supplement, page A6
  58. Irish Independent. (2010). Healy's late shoe seals Con double: Cork Con 17 St Mary's 10, 10 May, Sport, page 17
  59. Irish Independent. (2011). Mary's falter at final hurdle: Old Belvedere 25 St Mary's 19, 4 April, Sport, page 23
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  62. Irish Independent. (2012). Rugby: Ulster Bank AIL Division 1A - Hogan raises toast to hail Mary's spirit, St Mary's 23 Young Munster 19, 23 April, Sport, page 21
  63. Irish Independent. (2013). Ruddock hails players as Lansdowne seal deal: Lansdowne 32 Clontarf 25, 1 April, Sport, page 25
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  65. Irish Times. (2014). All in the scrum: Ulster Bank League - Clontarf snatch title on final day, Clontarf 27 Ballynahinch 13, 21 April, Sport, page A5
  66. Sunday Independent. (2014). AIL Division 1A: Clontarf secure maiden title as Belvo blow their chance - Clontarf 27 Ballynahinch 13, 20 April, Sport, page 4
  67. Irish Independent (2014). Ulster Bank All-Ireland League Division 1A, League Table, 21 April, Sport, page 34
  68. Sunday Independent. (2015). AIL Division 1A: Deasy guides Lansdowne to title glory - Lansdowne 18 Clontarf 17, 10 May, Sport, page 11
  69. Irish Independent. (2015). Deasy penalty seals it for classy Lansdowne: Lansdowne 18 Clontarf 17, 11 May, Sport, page 20
  70. Deasy Delivers League Title-Winning Blow For Lansdowne Archived 15 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine
  71. Irish Independent. (2016). Rugby: Classy Carbery ensures gutsy Clontarfedge final thriller - Clontarf 28 Cork Con 25, 9 May, Sport, page 11
  72. Irish Examiner. (2016). Carbery call shots as 'Tarf foil Con: Clontarf 28 Cork Constitution 25, 9 May, Sport, page 15
  73. Clontarf Claim Second Title After Thrilling League Final Archived 5 November 2016 at the Wayback Machine
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  75. "Cork Con seal second AIL title in three years with Aviva victory over Clontarf". The42. 5 May 2019. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
  76. Irish Examiner. (1991). All-Ireland League boost, 6 February, page 17
  77. Irish Independent. (1991). League is insured for success, 6 February, page 5
  78. Irish Times. (1993). ICI extends its AIL sponsorship to 1997, 1 September, page 17
  79. Irish Times. (1997). Clubs to reap benefit of £1.3 million boost, 10 September, page 21
  80. Rugby News: AIB to give €5m and five years to clubs, 26 September, page 26
  81. Irish Times. (2010). AIB bring to an end League deal, 6 February, Sport, page A8
  82. Irish Independent. (2011). AIL gets Ulster Bank sponsorship boost, 11 January, Sport, page 9
  83. "IRFU and Ulster Bank Announce New Community Rugby Partnership". SportsNews Ireland. 28 January 2011. Archived from the original on 12 January 2011. Retrieved 10 January 2011.
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