Women’s All Ireland League Gets Underway & #AILWomensTRY Competition Launched

The Women’s All Ireland League gets underway this weekend in a new time slot that will be a feature of several rounds this season as matches are played as part of a double header with men’s fixtures in the clubs.

Defending champions UL Bohemian have a bye in Round 1 of the league and will kick-start their campaign next Sunday, 7 October, away to Old Belvedere at Anglesea Road (kick-off 1pm).

The first of the double-headers will see Blackrock welcoming Galwegians to Stradbrook this Saturday, 29 September, at 5pm following the men’s game in Division 2A at 2.30pm.

St. Mary’s return to the top flight of the Women’s competition and they host Railway Union in Templeville Road in their opening game.

The final fixture this Saturday sees Cooke at home to last season’s beaten finalists Old Belvedere.

A new initiative for the coming season calls on the seven AIL Women’s teams to post their best tries from the All Ireland League on social media with a monthly winner being selected from the best entries.

The best tries posted on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using the #AILWomensTRY will be featured on the IRFU’s social media platforms with a monthly winner selected each month by a coach from the Women’s National set-up. The monthly winner will receive €250.

Speaking about the initiative, Ireland Women’s Head Coach Adam Griggs said, “Its brilliant that the AIL clubs have this platform to showcase some of the quality tries I’m sure will be scored this season and further highlights the great steps forward we are making around the women’s game in Ireland. I look forward to seeing the quality on show.”

At the end of the season, an overall winner will be selected from the monthly winners by an online public vote and an overall winner will be crowned #AILWomensTry of the Season 2018/19.

Entries posted online should also tag @IrishRugby.