Underage Interprovincial Action Returns After Two Year Hiatus

20th August 2021 By The Editor

Munster U18 Clubs celebrate during their Interpro clash with Connacht in 2019 ©INPHO

Underage interprovincial action returns for the first time in two years this weekend with U19 Men’s and U18 Men’s Clubs fixtures at Energia Park over the course of the weekend.

Next week will see underage interprovincial rugby for both U18 Men’s Schools and U18 Women.

The festival style format in operation in recent years is on hold for 2021 due to COVID considerations, but it’s a welcome return to representative rugby, says IRFU Age Grade, Student & Rugby Enterprise Manager Eoin Hogan.

“It means a lot to Irish Rugby and these squads to get games played this year,” he said. “We’re adapting to the circumstances, but what’s really important is that young men and women are getting the chance to represent their provinces at this level for the first time. Putting on that jersey means so much to these players.”

Munster U18 Schools celebrate their win over Leinster in 2019 ©INPHO

Wayne Mitchell, who leads the IRFU’s National Talent Squad and Talent Identification programme, commented,

“These interprovincial games are very important milestones in a young player’s career and it provides an opportunity for the IRFU’s talent coaches to benchmark players across the four provinces and identify prospects for national programmes later in the year. It is fantastic to have these games back after such a long period of disruption caused by the pandemic.”

PwC are one of the longest running sponsors of the IRFU and current sponsors of the U18 Women’s and Men’s Interprovincial Championships.

Feargal O’Rourke, PwC Ireland Managing Partner, said,

“We look forward to nurturing and supporting the development of our next generation of elite players, both women and men. At PwC, we want to help them reach their potential and to help show them that, for whatever this next chapter holds, the future is green.”

Please note these games are not open to the general public. A full round-up of all games will be available on IrishRugby.ie and provincial websites and social media channels.