Junior Rugby Fixture Calendar in Disarray

A combination of one of the worst period of continuous bad weather in living memory followed by the arrival of the Coronavirus has thrown Limerick’s rugby fixture calendar into disarray.

The unprecedented situation threatens the completion of competitions at all levels: from schools finals to Heineken European Cup quarter finals and Six Nations fixtures to AIL and junior leagues and cups.

Since its foundation in 1886 the Munster Senior Challenge Cup has seen its completion every year apart from 1892 when it was not awarded due to a dispute.

The inaugural Munster Junior Cup was first played for in 1909 with Crescent College FC lifting the sparkling silverware and, still in its infancy, the First World War saw the competition suspended between 1915 and 1919. 2020 may yet claim a place in the Munster Rugby history books, depending on what happens over the next few weeks.

According to latest reports the likelihood of the virus ruling the earth for the immediate future is becoming a reality. We will certainly be on lockdown after March 29 which brings us into the four week-ends of April facing a lengthening backlog of fixtures.

At local level, the longer nights will give an opportunity to fulfill some fixtures if the virus clears with the MJL1 games between Richmond and Kilfeacle and District and Newcastle West’s games against Waterpark and St Senans the only ones of significance.

It looks possible that local junior cup games, such as the Webb Cup and the McInerney Cup, may not take place this season with the Munster Junior Cup, which has now reached the last eight, also threatened.