AlL Season Cancelled Affecting Two Midlands Clubs

Friday, 29 January 2021 12:54

Buccaneers and Tullamore were originally scheduled to be back in action in January.

The IRFU say the impact of COVID-19 has forced them into cancelling the men’s and women’s All Ireland Leagues.

The previous season had been brought to a premature end last March due to the pandemic.

A statement from Irish Rugby last night said:

Following a meeting of the Union Committee it has been decided 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 Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial series will also not take place until the 2021/22 season.

The IRFU and the four provinces will now work with clubs to look at the completion of the Engeria Community Series and to 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.

Greg Barrett, Chair of the IRFU Rugby Committee, said, “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.

#EnergiaAIL

Following a meeting of the Union Committee it has been decided that the 2020/21 Energia All Ireland League will not proceed, due to the on-going impact of Covid-19.https://t.co/YzwHzwQyJs
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) January 28, 2021

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.”

Buccaneers and Tullamore were due to compete in Division 2A and 2C respectively.

Tullamore Rugby PRO Tony Doolin says they're looking forward to getting back on the pitch whenever that may be: