The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) is the body managing rugby football in Ireland. The IRFU has its head office and grounds at Lansdowne Road, where Irish rugby international matches are played. In addition the Union also owns Ravenhill Park in Belfast, Thomond Park in Limerick and a number of grounds in provincial areas that have been rented to Clubs.
Initially there were two unions both founded in 1874. The Irish Football Union had jurisdiction over Clubs in Leinster, Munster and parts of Ulster; the Northern Football Union of Ireland controlled the Belfast area. The IRFU was formed in 1879 as an amalgamation of the two different organisations and branches were formed in Leinster, Munster and Ulster. The Connacht Branch was formed in 1886.
Following the political break up of Ireland into the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, the IRFU remained as one Union representing all of Ireland. This lead to the unique situation among international rugby teams, where the Irish representative teams are drawn from players from two separate political territories: the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland (part of the United Kingdom).
During the 1880s the four provincial branches of the IRFU first ran cup competitions and although these tournaments still take place every year their significance has been diminished by the advent of an All-Ireland league in 1990.
The four provinces have played an Interprovincial Championship since the1920s and continue to be the focal point for players aspiring to the international level. Munster, Leinster and Ulster continue to be the strongest three with Connacht in the west of the country traditionally the weakest.
There are presently 60,000 (approx.) players in total in Ireland. 56 clubs are affiliated to the Ulster Branch; 71 to the Leinster Branch: 59 to the Munster Branch and 19 to the Connacht Branch. In addition there are 246 Schools playing rugby, Ulster (107), Leinster (75), Munster (41) and Connacht (23). There is an All-Ireland league of 50 Senior Clubs.
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