Premature end to Enniscorthy’s season
THE IRISH club rugby season is officially over.
The 2019-’20 domestic campaign has been ended immediately due to the ongoing concerns over Covid-19, as it’s now almost certain government action will run beyond the initial date of March 29.
Instead of attempting to get the campaign back up and running closer to the summer, Irish Rugby is now directing clubs to put plans in place for the 2020-’21 season.
It will be particularly disappointing for Enniscorthy who were second in Division 2B of the All-Ireland League on 50 points, three adrift of leaders Skerries, with Tullamore third on 35 and Clonmel on 33, as the Slaneysiders were already guaranteed a promotion play-off spot.
The Irish Rugby directive applies to all incomplete national and provincial competitions and was ratified by the I.R.F.U. rugby committee on Thursday.
It follows on from the G.A.A. decision to cancel the national Féile for Under-14s and the Under-17 Celtic Challenge inter-county competitions for 2020.
A statement on the rugby move explained: ‘Cups will be shared by finalists, where cup competitions have reached the final fixture. There will be no promotion or relegation in any of the five divisions of the Energia Men’s All-Ireland League.
‘There will be no league or cup winners in any competition at a national level including the Energia All-Ireland Leagues, Energia Women’s Ireland Cup, and the Energia Bateman Cup.
‘The Fraser McMullen U20 Cup, the Junior Inter-Provincial championships and the round-robin qualifiers for the Energia All-Ireland League, will not take place.’
Speaking about the announcement, I.R.F.U. director of rugby development Colin McEntee said: ‘The decision to end the domestic season for 2019-’20 has not been made lightly. All options were discussed and the I.R.F.U. is satisfied it has arrived at the only equitable solution.
‘These are challenging times for us all and we know clubs will be impacted by this directive, but we will look back at this season as one where we put the physical welfare of our rugby community above all else.
‘Clubs are now in a position to make plans for the 2020-’21 season. We look forward to marking the 30th anniversary of the All-Ireland League.’
The Enniscorthy R.F.C. club Chairman, Paul McCrea, said that while the club is disappointed with the season ending like this, it was the right decision.
‘All of this coronavirus crisis puts sport in perspective. It’s a difficult and challenging time for everyone. Let’s hope everyone comes through it.’
He was pleased with the club’s first season back in Senior club rugby. ‘We had a great season, one we’re happy with. We learned a lot so hopefully we will bounce back in the new season. It will also give our long-term injured players more time to recover,’ he added.
With promotion and relegation ruled out, there will be no change in status for Wexford Wanderers, Gorey and New Ross.
Gorey were due to host Mullingar in the Provincial Towns Cup, while Wexford Wanderers had an away date with Athy, but both games will not take place now owing to the decision to bring an early end to the season.