Photo Credit: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Players from all four Provinces came together at the IRFU High Performance Centre, on Thursday, August 3, for the official launch of the Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship 2023/24 tournament.
The four upcoming rounds of competition mark the start of an important season for women’s rugby, both domestically and internationally.
Munster kicks off the 2023/24 season against Ulster at City of Armagh on Saturday, 12 August, before Connacht go head-to-head with Leinster at The Sportsground in Galway to conclude the opening weekend.
The Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship, through free-to-air coverage, has been given the platform to showcase the Women’s game, bringing it to new audiences, and growing both support, and momentum for the sport.
Round 2 of the Championship will see Leinster hosting Ulster at Energia Park on Saturday, 19 August, while Munster welcome Connacht to Musgrave Park in Cork.
A week later, on Saturday, 26 August, Connacht face Ulster in Galway and Leinster meet Munster in what will be a hotly-anticipated Round 3 clash at Energia Park.
The venue for Finals Day has not yet been confirmed by the IRFU.
“The growth of this competition in recent seasons has been particularly exciting and that is credit to the players, coaches and management teams at all four Provinces, but also a strong reflection of the excellent work that continues at club and underage level. We remain committed to developing our Women’s Pathways and the Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship plays an integral part in that structure," said IRFU President Greg Barrett, at the official launch of the tournament.
Head of Sponsorship at Vodafone Ireland Gerry Nixon commented on the launch saying, “We aim to inspire the next generation of men and women in the sport and encourage all rugby fans to get behind their provinces and show their support during the Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship.”
Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship Fixtures
Round 1, Saturday, 12 August
Ulster v Munster, City of Armagh RFC, 3pm
Connacht v Leinster, The Sportsground, 5.15pm
Round 2, Saturday 19 August
Leinster v Ulster, Energia Park, 1pm
Munster v Connacht, Musgrave Park, 3.15pm
Round 3, Saturday 26 August
Connacht v Ulster, The Sportsground, 2.30pm
Leinster v Munster, Energia Park, 4.45pm
Finals Day, Saturday 2 September
