IRFU Confirms Return of Men's 'A' Championship

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has announced the return of the Interprovincial Men's 'A' Championship after more than 20 years, set to begin on November 16. The competition will feature second-string teams from Leinster, Munster, Connacht, and Ulster, providing vital game-time for players who are not regularly featured in the United Rugby Championship (URC). IRFU performance director David Humphreys expressed excitement about the championship, emphasizing its role in developing players and providing meaningful competition. The championship will follow a similar scoring system to the URC and will culminate in a winner being crowned in May, alongside a legacy trophy commemorating the IRFU's 150th anniversary. Additionally, the IRFU aims to host matches at local club venues, enhancing community engagement and opportunities for club players to showcase their skills. Overall, the initiative is designed to create a pathway for players from the Energia All-Ireland League to the URC levels.