THE IRFU WILL introduce two new North and South divisions in the Men’s All-Ireland League from next season in a bid to reduce travel challenges and costs for teams.
In a statement on Thursday, the IRFU rugby committee confirmed that there will be no structural changes to Divisions 1A, 1B or 2A for the 2026/27 season.
However, Divisions 2B and 2C will be restructured along geographical lines into Divisions 2BN (North) and 2BS (South).
Clubs located above a line drawn between O’Connell Bridge in Dublin and Eyre Square in Galway will play in 2BN, while those below the line will play in 2BS.
“This change is designed to assist clubs’ sustainability, by reducing travel distances and overnight stays, helping clubs to lower financial costs while also improving player welfare,” the IRFU said.
“The restructuring directly reflects the feedback received from the rugby community, particularly from players, who identified travel demands as a significant challenge.
“The IRFU has confirmed there are no additional structural changes planned, and will continue to act in the best interests of the competition should future developments require.”
The changes were first communicated to clubs in September. The IRFU said that the Union “will ensure an even spread of clubs across both divisions should future relegation/promotion affect the balance”.
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IRFU to introduce new North and South divisions to Men's AIL from next season
THE IRFU WILL introduce two new North and South divisions in the Men’s All-Ireland League from next season in a bid to reduce travel challenges and costs for teams.
In a statement on Thursday, the IRFU rugby committee confirmed that there will be no structural changes to Divisions 1A, 1B or 2A for the 2026/27 season.
However, Divisions 2B and 2C will be restructured along geographical lines into Divisions 2BN (North) and 2BS (South).
Clubs located above a line drawn between O’Connell Bridge in Dublin and Eyre Square in Galway will play in 2BN, while those below the line will play in 2BS.
“This change is designed to assist clubs’ sustainability, by reducing travel distances and overnight stays, helping clubs to lower financial costs while also improving player welfare,” the IRFU said.
“The restructuring directly reflects the feedback received from the rugby community, particularly from players, who identified travel demands as a significant challenge.
“The IRFU has confirmed there are no additional structural changes planned, and will continue to act in the best interests of the competition should future developments require.”
The changes were first communicated to clubs in September. The IRFU said that the Union “will ensure an even spread of clubs across both divisions should future relegation/promotion affect the balance”.
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