The 2023/24 Energia All-Ireland League rugby season is off to an exhilarating start, with some familiar names and a few newcomers making their presence felt across various divisions.
As the league takes a short break over the bank holiday weekend, let’s take a look at the standings and highlights after three rounds of thrilling rugby action.
**Women’s Division**
In the Women’s Division, UL Bohemians lead the charge with an impeccable record of five wins, all secured with bonus points. Railway Union is nipping at their heels, boasting a perfect four out of four record. Meanwhile, Belvedere and Blackrock are not far behind, each with three wins out of four games, narrowly pushing Ballincollig into fifth place.
**Men’s Division 1A**
In Men’s Division 1A, the top of the league table features some familiar names. Lansdowne and Clontarf are setting the pace after three rounds of intense competition. Reigning champions Terenure are yet to hit their stride, and the standout story so far is City of Armagh, who find themselves just outside the top four after a significant win against Shannon.
**Men’s Division 1B**
St. Mary’s leads the way in Men’s Division 1B with three bonus point wins. Highfield, Old Wesley, and Queens make up the top four. On the flip side, Buccaneers have yet to secure a win, making their quest for a turnaround all the more challenging.
**Men’s Division 2A**
Division 2A is shaping up as a closely contested battleground, with only seven points separating Nenagh Ormond at the top and Banbridge in seventh place. Cashel, UL Bohemians, and Greystones complete the top four, but the highly competitive nature of the division suggests there’s room for significant changes as the season progresses.
**Men’s Division 2B**
In Men’s Division 2B, Instonians are making a statement with an unbeaten record of three wins, complete with bonus points. Corinthians, Wanderers, and Sligo are level on 11 points, rounding out the top four. Meanwhile, Rainey finds themselves without a win, but there’s still plenty of rugby to be played and a chance for them to bounce back.
**Men’s Division 2C**
Clogher Valley continues their remarkable rise in Men’s Division 2C, with a perfect record of maximum points from their first three games. Galwegians and Bruff are hot on their heels, just a point behind, while Enniscorthy secures the fourth spot. Bangor and Ballina have yet to taste victory but have plenty of opportunities to turn their fortunes around.
The 2023/24 Energia All-Ireland League rugby season promises excitement, competition, and a dash of the unexpected. As the league takes a short break, rugby enthusiasts eagerly await the action-packed November 4th return date to see which teams will continue to shine and which dark horses might emerge as the season unfolds.
