2025–26 All-Ireland League (rugby union)
| 2025–26 All-Ireland League | |
|---|---|
| Countries | Ireland |
| Number of teams | 50 |
| Date | 27 September 2025 – 26 April 2026 |
| Top point scorer | 1A Mick O'Gara (St Mary's College) – 96 points 1B Tom Larke (Old Wesley) – 110 points 2A Neil Byrne (MU Barnhall) – 91 points 2B Scott McLean (Rainey), Ben Kidd (Enniscorthy), Matthew Rae (Malone) – 66 points 2C Joey O'Connor (Clonmel) – 86 points |
| Top try scorer | 1A Hubert Gilvarry (Young Munster) – 9 tries 1B Noah Byrne (Dublin University) – 8 tries 2A Shane Mallon (MU Barnhall) – 8 tries 2B Rob Deacy (Galwegians) – 11 tries 2C Cian O'Donoghue (Monkstown) – 10 tries |
| Official website | |
| www | |
The 2025–26 All-Ireland League, known as the Energia All-Ireland League for sponsorship reasons,[1] is the 34th season of Irish Rugby's top level domestic competition. The League began on 27 September 2025 and is scheduled to finish with the League final at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin on 26 April 2026.[2]
Clontarf are the defending champions having won their 4th title by defeating reigning champions Cork Constitution in the 2024–25 League Final.[3]
Bective Rangers (after a 7-year absence) and Thomond (after a 6-year absence) make a return to the A.I.L. having been promoted from the Junior Provincial leagues replacing Tullamore and Omagh Academicals who were relegated.[4][5]
Format
The League consists of 5 divisions of 10 teams each playing a double round-robin competition using the standard Rugby union bonus points system. At the completion of the league phase the top 4 teams in Division 1A will qualify for the play-off semi-finals, with the two winners meeting in the final.
The 10th placed teams in Divisions 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B are to be relegated to Divisions 1B, 2A, 2B and 2C respectively while the winners of Divisions 1B, 2A, 2B and 2C are to be promoted up one division. The 9th placed team in Division 1A along with the 2nd to 4th placed teams in Division 1B will enter a play-off competition with the winner to play in Division 1A for 2026–27. This same play-off competition applied to the other divisions also.
The 10th placed team in Division 2C are to be relegated from the A.I.L. to their respective Provincial qualifying league and be replaced by the winner of the All-Ireland Provincial League Championship. The 9th placed team in Division 2C are to play the runner-up of the All-Ireland Provincial League Championship with the winner to play in Division 2C for 2026–27.[6]
All-Ireland Provincial League Championship
The All-Ireland Provincial League Championship is to be contested by the winners of the four provincial qualifying leagues in Connacht, Leinster, Munster and Ulster. They will play in two semi-finals with the winners meeting in the final, with all matches played at neutral venues. The winner will play in Division 2C of the A.I.L. for 2026–27. The runners-up are to play away against the 9th place team in Division 2C and the winner of this play-off will also play in Division 2C of the A.I.L. for 2026–27.
Team changes
The following promotions and relegations occurred at the end of the 2024–25 season:[7]
| Promoted | Relegated | |
| Division 1A | — | Garryowen, City of Armagh* |
| Division 1B | Old Belvedere, Nenagh Ormond* | Shannon |
| Division 2A | Instonians | Buccaneers, Navan* |
| Division 2B | Wanderers, Dungannon* | Malahide |
| Division 2C | Enniscorthy | Tullamore, Omagh Academicals* |
| A-I PLC | Bective Rangers, Thomond* | — |
* via play-offs
Division 1A
Clontarf begin their 13th consecutive season in the top division as reigning champions while last season's runners-up, Cork Constitution continue their ever presence in the league's topflight. Old Belvedere are back in Division 1A after 6 seasons[8] while Nenagh Ormond become the first County Tipperary club to play in the league's top division.[9]
Teams
|
Dublin Location of teams in the 2025–26 All-Ireland League Division 1A Location of Dublin teams in the 2025–26 All-Ireland League Division 1A
|
Table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TF | TA | TB | LB | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clontarf | 9 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 227 | 154 | +73 | 32 | 21 | 5 | 0 | 37 | Play-off semi-finals |
| 2 | St Mary's College | 9 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 228 | 139 | +89 | 29 | 19 | 4 | 1 | 33 | |
| 3 | Lansdowne | 9 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 265 | 192 | +73 | 35 | 25 | 4 | 2 | 30 | |
| 4 | Terenure College | 9 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 245 | 194 | +51 | 36 | 26 | 5 | 2 | 27 | |
| 5 | Cork Constitution | 9 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 216 | 187 | +29 | 32 | 26 | 5 | 2 | 27 | |
| 6 | Young Munster | 9 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 248 | 223 | +25 | 37 | 32 | 6 | 5 | 23 | |
| 7 | Ballynahinch | 9 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 196 | 204 | −8 | 28 | 29 | 3 | 1 | 20 | |
| 8 | Old Belvedere | 9 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 189 | 213 | −24 | 23 | 30 | 3 | 1 | 20 | |
| 9 | UCD | 9 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 223 | 299 | −76 | 32 | 44 | 3 | 0 | 15 | Division 1B Play-offs |
| 10 | Nenagh Ormond | 9 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 121 | 353 | −232 | 16 | 50 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Relegation to Division 1B |
Rules for classification: Tiebreakers for teams tied on points: 1) Difference between points for and against; 2) Number of matches won; 3) Number of matches drawn; 4) Most tries scored; 5) Most league points in matches involving tied teams.[6]
Results & fixtures
Division 1B
Garryowen are back in Division 1B as they continue to yo-yo between the league's top two divisions. Also making the drop from Division 1A are City of Armagh after just 2 seasons in the topflight. Instonians play at this level for the first time since 2009 as they continued their remarkable run of four consecutive promotions last season.[10]
Teams
|
|
Dublin Location of teams in the 2025–26 All-Ireland League Division 1B Location of Dublin teams in the 2025–26 All-Ireland League Division 1B
|
Table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TF | TA | TB | LB | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Old Wesley | 9 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 280 | 167 | +113 | 38 | 24 | 5 | 0 | 37 | Promotion to Division 1A |
| 2 | Instonians | 8 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 238 | 150 | +88 | 36 | 21 | 6 | 1 | 31 | Division 1B Play-offs |
| 3 | Dublin University | 9 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 243 | 194 | +49 | 33 | 26 | 4 | 1 | 29 | |
| 4 | Highfield | 9 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 194 | 173 | +21 | 28 | 25 | 3 | 3 | 26 | |
| 5 | City of Armagh | 8 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 218 | 192 | +26 | 31 | 28 | 4 | 1 | 25 | |
| 6 | Garryowen | 9 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 196 | 208 | −12 | 29 | 31 | 2 | 3 | 19 | |
| 7 | Naas | 9 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 209 | 256 | −47 | 29 | 37 | 4 | 2 | 18 | |
| 8 | UCC | 9 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 189 | 214 | −25 | 25 | 28 | 3 | 2 | 17 | |
| 9 | Blackrock College | 9 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 182 | 239 | −57 | 26 | 32 | 2 | 2 | 16 | Division 2A Play-offs |
| 10 | Queen's University | 9 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 137 | 293 | −156 | 20 | 41 | 1 | 3 | 10 | Relegation to Division 2A |
Rules for classification: Tiebreakers for teams tied on points: 1) Difference between points for and against; 2) Number of matches won; 3) Number of matches drawn; 4) Most tries scored; 5) Most league points in matches involving tied teams.[6]
Results & fixtures
Division 2A
After two successive relegations Shannon will play in the third tier of the A.I.L. for the first time in their history.[11] Promoted up from Division 2B are Dungannon who return to this level for the first time since the league was restructured 10 years ago, while Wanderers will play at their highest level since returning to the league in 2014.[12][13]
Teams
|
Location of teams in the 2025–26 All-Ireland League Division 2A
|
Table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TF | TA | TB | LB | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MU Barnhall | 9 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 245 | 124 | +121 | 34 | 16 | 6 | 0 | 42 | Promotion to Division 1B |
| 2 | Dungannon | 9 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 212 | 178 | +34 | 27 | 22 | 3 | 0 | 33 | Division 2A Play-offs |
| 3 | Shannon | 9 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 208 | 157 | +51 | 25 | 20 | 3 | 3 | 26 | |
| 4 | Wanderers | 9 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 211 | 181 | +30 | 30 | 24 | 3 | 2 | 25 | |
| 5 | Galway Corinthians | 9 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 177 | 164 | +13 | 25 | 20 | 3 | 2 | 25 | |
| 6 | Greystones | 9 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 218 | 226 | −8 | 29 | 32 | 3 | 4 | 23 | |
| 7 | Old Crescent | 9 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 142 | 167 | −25 | 17 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 16 | |
| 8 | Cashel | 9 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 170 | 207 | −37 | 21 | 27 | 1 | 4 | 15 | |
| 9 | Ballymena | 8 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 154 | 246 | −92 | 18 | 33 | 2 | 2 | 12 | Division 2B Play-offs |
| 10 | Banbridge | 8 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 122 | 209 | −87 | 17 | 28 | 2 | 2 | 8 | Relegation to Division 2B |
Rules for classification: Tiebreakers for teams tied on points: 1) Difference between points for and against; 2) Number of matches won; 3) Number of matches drawn; 4) Most tries scored; 5) Most league points in matches involving tied teams.[6]
Results & fixtures
Division 2B
Back-to-back relegations see Buccaneers drop to 2B along with Navan who lost out in a play-off to Dungannon.[12] After 2 seasons in the bottom division Enniscorthy return to 2B.[14]
Teams
|
Location of teams in the 2025–26 All-Ireland League Division 2B
|
Table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TF | TA | TB | LB | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Galwegians | 9 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 350 | 112 | +238 | 54 | 15 | 9 | 0 | 45 | Promotion to Division 2A |
| 2 | UL Bohemians | 9 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 247 | 200 | +47 | 37 | 29 | 6 | 1 | 31 | Division 2B Play-offs |
| 3 | Clogher Valley | 9 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 221 | 153 | +68 | 34 | 20 | 5 | 1 | 30 | |
| 4 | Sligo | 9 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 210 | 198 | +12 | 29 | 27 | 4 | 0 | 28 | |
| 5 | Malone | 9 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 198 | 191 | +7 | 28 | 30 | 5 | 2 | 27 | |
| 6 | Rainey | 9 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 173 | 203 | −30 | 22 | 27 | 2 | 2 | 20 | |
| 7 | Buccaneers | 9 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 155 | 219 | −64 | 21 | 31 | 2 | 2 | 16 | |
| 8 | Skerries | 9 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 165 | 260 | −95 | 21 | 38 | 1 | 1 | 16 | |
| 9 | Enniscorthy | 9 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 196 | 269 | −73 | 28 | 39 | 2 | 1 | 7 | Division 2C Play-offs |
| 10 | Navan | 9 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 129 | 239 | −110 | 17 | 35 | 0 | 1 | 7 | Relegation to Division 2C |
Rules for classification: Tiebreakers for teams tied on points: 1) Difference between points for and against; 2) Number of matches won; 3) Number of matches drawn; 4) Most tries scored; 5) Most league points in matches involving tied teams.[6]
Results & fixtures
Division 2C
After 4 seasons in 2B Malahide return to the bottom division[15] while Bective Rangers and Thomond return to the A.I.L. after 7 and 6 years respectively in the Junior leagues.[4][5]
Teams
|
Dublin Location of teams in the 2025–26 All-Ireland League Division 2C Location of Dublin teams in the 2025–26 All-Ireland League Division 2C
|
Table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TF | TA | TB | LB | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clonmel | 9 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 255 | 192 | +63 | 36 | 29 | 5 | 1 | 34 | Promotion to Division 2B |
| 2 | Thomond | 8 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 272 | 175 | +97 | 40 | 24 | 6 | 1 | 31 | Division 2C Play-offs |
| 3 | Bective Rangers | 9 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 244 | 177 | +67 | 38 | 23 | 6 | 1 | 31 | |
| 4 | Monkstown | 9 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 306 | 196 | +110 | 44 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 30 | |
| 5 | Dolphin | 9 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 229 | 270 | −41 | 34 | 41 | 5 | 1 | 22 | |
| 6 | Bruff | 9 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 188 | 214 | −26 | 25 | 30 | 2 | 3 | 21 | |
| 7 | Ballyclare | 9 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 236 | 248 | −12 | 33 | 37 | 5 | 2 | 19 | |
| 8 | Belfast Harlequins | 9 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 176 | 305 | −129 | 26 | 45 | 2 | 1 | 19 | |
| 9 | Midleton | 8 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 192 | 202 | −10 | 29 | 28 | 3 | 3 | 18 | Provincial League Play-off |
| 10 | Malahide | 9 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 168 | 287 | −119 | 22 | 43 | 2 | 2 | 8 | Relegation to Provincial League |
Rules for classification: Tiebreakers for teams tied on points: 1) Difference between points for and against; 2) Number of matches won; 3) Number of matches drawn; 4) Most tries scored; 5) Most league points in matches involving tied teams.[6]
Results & fixtures
Play-offs
Division 1A Play-offs
Semi-finals
| 18 April 2026 Semi-final 1 |
| 1st Division 1A | v | 4th Division 1A |
| 18 April 2026 Semi-final 2 |
| 2nd Division 1A | v | 3rd Division 1A |
All-Ireland League Final
See below.
Division 1B Play-offs
Semi-finals
| 18 April 2026 Semi-final 1 |
| 9th Division 1A | v | 4th Division 1B |
| 18 April 2026 Semi-final 2 |
| 2nd Division 1B | v | 3rd Division 1B |
Play-off Final
| 25 April 2026 Final |
| Winner Semi-final 1 | v | Winner Semi-final 2 |
Division 2A Play-offs
Semi-finals
| 18 April 2026 Semi-final 1 |
| 9th Division 1B | v | 4th Division 2A |
| 18 April 2026 Semi-final 2 |
| 2nd Division 2A | v | 3rd Division 2A |
Play-off Final
| 25 April 2026 Final |
| Winner Semi-final 1 | v | Winner Semi-final 2 |
Division 2B Play-offs
Semi-finals
| 18 April 2026 Semi-final 1 |
| 9th Division 2A | v | 4th Division 2B |
| 18 April 2026 Semi-final 2 |
| 2nd Division 2B | v | 3rd Division 2B |
Play-off Final
| 25 April 2026 Final |
| Winner Semi-final 1 | v | Winner Semi-final 2 |
Division 2C Play-offs
Semi-finals
| 18 April 2026 Semi-final 1 |
| 9th Division 2B | v | 4th Division 2C |
| 18 April 2026 Semi-final 2 |
| 2nd Division 2C | v | 3rd Division 2C |
Play-off Final
| 25 April 2026 Final |
| Winner Semi-final 1 | v | Winner Semi-final 2 |
Provincial League Championship
Semi-finals
| 28 March 2026 Semi-final 2 |
| Provincial Champions (Munster ) | v | Provincial Champions ( Connacht) |
Final
| 11 April 2026 Final |
| Winner Semi-final 1 | v | Winner Semi-final 2 |
Play-off
| 25 April 2026 Play-off |
| 9th Division 2C | v | Loser of Final |
Final
The All-Ireland League final is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 26 April 2026, at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin.
All-Ireland League Final
See also
- Bateman Cup
- Connacht Senior League
- Leinster Senior League
- Munster Senior League
- Ulster Senior League
References
- ^ "Energia extends partnership with the IRFU until 2029". irishrugby.ie. 24 June 2024. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
- ^ "Season Plan Confirmed for 2025/26 Men's Energia AIL Competitions". irishrugbu.ie. 13 June 2025. Retrieved 15 June 2025.
- ^ Lewis, Simon (27 April 2025). "Clontarf edge Cork Con by one point in tense AIL final to regain title". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
- ^ a b Kearney, Diarmuid (12 April 2025). "Bective Rangers Book Return To Energia All-Ireland League Ranks". irishrugby.ie. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
- ^ a b Kinsella, Colm (26 April 2025). "Thomond RFC celebrate return to All-Ireland League ranks". Limerick Leader. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f "A.I.L. Regulations 2025–26" (PDF). irishrugby.ie. Retrieved 24 September 2025.
- ^ "Energia All-Ireland League Men's Divisions – 2024/25 Ups & Downs". irishrugby.ie. 1 May 2025. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
- ^ Kearney, Diarmuid (21 March 2025). "Dowling On Old Belvedere Clinching Promotion". irishrugby.ie. Retrieved 5 September 2025.
- ^ Thornley, Gerry (27 April 2025). "Nenagh Ormond make history as they earn promotion to Division 1A of All-Ireland League". The Irish Times. Retrieved 5 September 2025.
- ^ Donaghy, Ciaran (23 March 2025). "Instonians' title delight after battling comeback in Division 2A clash against Greystones secures fourth successive All Ireland League promotion". News Letter. Retrieved 5 September 2025.
- ^ Kinsella, Colm (5 April 2025). "Shannon score only Limerick win but are relegated in All-Ireland League". Limerick Leader. Retrieved 8 September 2025.
- ^ a b Sadlier, Michael (26 April 2025). "Dungannon secure promotion to AIL Division 2A". Belfast Telegraph. Retrieved 8 September 2025.
- ^ Kearney, Diarmuid (11 April 2025). "Mullan Signs Off With Long-Awaited Title Win For Wanderers". irishrugby.ie. Retrieved 8 September 2025.
- ^ Kearney, Diarmuid (18 April 2025). "'Rollercoaster Of A Season' Ends With #EnergiaAIL Title Joy For Enniscorthy". irishrugby.ie. Retrieved 10 September 2025.
- ^ Kearney, Diarmuid (20 May 2025). "Malahide's Journey Back From Relegation Begins With Kenny Appointment". Retrieved 10 September 2025.