IRFU confirms changes to men’s Energia All-Ireland League structure for 2026/2027 season

THE IRFU Rugby Committee has confirmed there will be a restructure to the Men’s Energia All-Ireland League (AIL) for the 2026/27 season.

This follows the comprehensive review of the men’s divisions recently undertaken. The IRFU then met with representatives from all four provinces and league clubs to discuss the changes, that were first communicated to clubs in September.

These meetings provided an opportunity for open discussion and a detailed review of feedback gathered from clubs, provinces, and players across the country. As a result of the feedback, the Committee agreed on several key outcomes regarding the future structure of the league.

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Restructuring to Support Clubs and Players

A central focus of the review has been on how to make the league more sustainable for clubs and players.

As a result, the IRFU confirmed it will move ahead with plans to restructure Divisions 2B and 2C into the Energia All-Ireland League 2BN (North) and Energia All-Ireland League 2BS (South) - starting from the 2026/2027 season.

To form the divisions a line will be drawn between O’Connell Bridge in Dublin and Eyre Square, Galway. Clubs north of this line will participate in 2BN while clubs south of this line will participate in 2BS.

The IRFU will ensure an even spread of clubs across both divisions should relegation/promotion affect the balance.

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 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.

IRFU Director of Rugby Development, Colin McEntee, stated, “The IRFU sincerely thanks Derek McGrath for leading a thorough review of the men’s Energia All-Ireland League. We listened carefully to stakeholders' needs and feedback throughout the process.

"These structural changes represent a significant step forward in endorsing the long-term sustainability and growth of the Energia AIL. By reducing travel and related costs, easing the demands on players, and implementing direct feedback from clubs and players, we are fostering a more sustainable and resilient league both on and off the field.”

Promotion Playoffs to Continue

Promotion playoffs will remain an important feature of the Energia AIL, maintaining a balance between providing security for existing clubs and offering ambitious teams a genuine opportunity to move up through the divisions.

2026/27 Promotion and Relegation Format

Under the new structure, agreed with club and provincial representatives - promotion and relegation for 2BN and 2BS would work as follows:

• The two 1st placed teams of 2BN and 2BS play off, with the winner replacing the 10th placed team in Div 2A. The team with the higher points will have home advantage. Teams level on points will then go to larger points difference, followed by most wins. (10th placed team in 2A automatic relegation to 2BN or 2BS).

• The unsuccessful team from the 1st 2BN v 1st 2BS match plays in a four-team playoff semifinal along with 9th in Div 2A and the two 2nd placed teams in 2BN and 2BS – 9th v 2nd placed team with the lower league points and 1st v 1st loser v 2nd placed team with the higher league points.

This replicates other divisions giving home advantage to the higher ranked teams.

• Winner of this final will also be promoted/remain in Div 2A.

• The two 10th placed teams in 2BN and 2BS will play off, with the unsuccessful team relegated to their provincial competition and replaced by the winner of the Junior Provincial Championship. The winner of this 10th v 10th game plays the runner up of the Junior Provincial Championship. The winner of this final will be promoted to/retain their place in 2BN/2BS.