Student Sport Ireland/IRFU Rugby Cup Launch and Draws take place in Aviva Stadium

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and Student Sport Ireland (SSI) have launched the 2026 Men’s and Women’s third-level senior rugby cup competitions, signalling continued investment in grassroots rugby development. The Aviva Stadium hosted the launch, highlighting the strategic importance of university-level rugby for talent identification and fostering a pipeline for future professionals. Forty-three teams across six cup competitions will participate, with finals slated for South East Technological University (SETU) Carlow on March 25th. Morgan Buckley, SSI Chairperson, underscored the strength of the partnership with the IRFU. Grainne Carroll, Chairperson of the IRFU 3rdLevel Committee, emphasised the crucial role of university sport in supporting student rugby careers. The Brendan Johnston Cup, the premier men’s competition, promises competitive opening rounds, while the Women’s Tier 1 Cup features a seven-team format. The competitions are seen as a vital component in nurturing young talent and strengthening the overall rugby ecosystem in Ireland. Read More