As women’s rugby in Ireland continues to grow, the Energia All-Ireland League (AIL) remains its beating heart - the stomping ground for the country’s top club talent.
The Energia AIL Final is just around the corner, with the Aviva Stadium eagerly awaiting a rematch of last year’s decider on Sunday, April 27th.
Whether you’re a seasoned supporter or you’re new to the sport, here are five things that you should know about the Energia All-Ireland League.
1. The Top Tier
Energia AIL Division 1 is the highest level of club rugby in Ireland.
With elite teams from all across the country battling it out week after week, this league is where the nation’s top talent sharpen their skills, forge rivalries, and create legacies with their club.
2. The Top Talent
From experienced internationals to rising stars, the AIL is certainly not short in talent.
Lindsay Peat, Chloe Pearse and Leah Tarpey are just three names that have represented Ireland on an international stage and will be playing in this year’s final. All will bring experience and firepower to their clubs, which you can witness first-hand on the 27th April, with the goal of AIL glory in mind.
Many former AIL players are proudly wearing the green jersey, such as Aoife Wafer, Béibhinn Parsons and Erin King, all of whom are currently seeing huge success with the national team today.
In last year’s final Chisom Ugwueru was in sparkling form, scoring a hattrick for UL Bohemian’s which helped her side to their first AIL title win since 2018. Her immense performances in the AIL saw her being called up to Scott Bemand's 35 player squad to face Australia at Kingspan Stadium and for the WXV1 campaign in Vancouver last year.
3. The Most Titles
When it comes to building a legacy, UL Bohemian stand above the rest.
The Limerick club have claimed a record 14 AIL titles, the most of any team in the league’s history. They continue to be a dominant force, reaching their second final in as many years against a familiar opponent in Railway Union, hoping to win their 15th trophy in just under two weeks’ time.
4. The 31st Edition
The 2025 final marks the 31st final of the AIL, excluding 2019/20 and 2020/21, which were cancelled due to COVID-19.
Each final brings with it the culmination of months of grit, strategy and determination; traits that are clearly visible in this year’s finalists.
5. The Rematch
Railway Union and UL Bohs will go head to head in a rematch of last year’s final, with the undefeated Railway looking for revenge for last year’s 48-38 loss at the hands of the Limerick club.
Railway handed UL Bohemian their only two losses of this season in October and March, a 19-18 game in Annacotty, and a 17-10 home win for the Dublin side. On April 27th, fans are guaranteed a battle between the two strongest teams in the league, where we will see who gets the last laugh .
Will UL Bohemian build on their already-full trophy cabinet? Or will Railway achieve their 3rd AIL victory in a 100% undefeated season? We’ll find out in 10 short days.
Whether you’re shouting from the stands or watching from home, the Energia AIL is where passion, power and pride collide. With fierce rivalries and emerging talent, there’s never been a better time to support women’s rugby in Ireland.
This is the second year that the final will be set in the Aviva Stadium on Sunday, April 27th at 1.30pm. With UL being the defending champions, and Railway having an undefeated season in 2024/25, this game is not to be missed.
Tickets are as cheap as €10, an absolute bargain for the quality of rugby that will be on display. Lock in your spot at the Aviva and let us know if you’re going!
