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UL Rugby 23/24 Season Review

Posted 10th Apr 2024
Author Katie Cullinane

University of Limerick Rugby Club 2023/24 Season Review

Katie Cullinane

 

 This season has seen great successes for all members of the University of Limerick’s rugby club.ng the season with four strong competitive teams, two men and two women's, all members involved with the club came away with some well-deserved wins. Notably on November 8th, 2023, the club fielded 4 teams in one day for the first time in history, coming away with three wins. This season’s honours include both Senior Teams winning their respective Division 1 League competitions on November 29th, 2023, in an exciting double header that took place on UL’s North Campus. The Men’s title was especially notable as it was the first Division 1 title won by a Men’s team in the college. The Women’s team went on to claim a season double, winning the Tier 1 Cup in March.  

 The Senior Men’s team had an impressive campaign over the two semesters. They competed in Division 1 before Christmas, winning their first game against the Garda College with 20-0. After a Round 2 bye, they returned on November 8th to beat TUS Midwest in a high scoring game of 60-12. Advancing to the Semi-Finals, UL went on to beat TU Dublin in a much closer fight at 18-12. 

 Margins were not nearly as close come November 29th, 2023. The Women’s team first won their Division 1 Title that afternoon before the Men had their chance for medals. With Outhalf Andrew O’Leary leading the UL side, they pulled ahead early in the game, ensuring to never let up pressure on the travelling SETU Carlow team. Halftime saw them ahead by an impressive 30-17. Only letting Carlow score one unconverted try and one penalty in the second half, the Men’s team came away with an impressive 50-25 win over the travelling team and a trophy to celebrate. 

 After Christmas, the Men’s 1st XV entered the Brendan Johnston Cup, the Tier 1 Competition in Men’s University rugby. Beginning first with a hard-fought 22-17 win over UCC, they went on to concede 34-16 to Dublin City University in Round 2. It was still enough to progress, and another tight game faced them in the Quarter-Final where they beat TUS Midlands 13-10. The Semi-Final on March 6th was the end of their Brendan Johnston campaign and the furthest yet they have made it in the competition. The Wolves’ team lost 31-15 to a strong SETU Carlow team. Carlow were not ready to lose another title to UL after their defeat in the League Final. 

 

The Men’s 2nd XV played before Christmas in Division 2/3, Group B. They found less success than some, unfortunately only coming away with one win from four games but didn’t become disheartened.  After the break the Men’s 2nd XV competed in the Tier 3 Cup. Round 1 saw them with a loss away to SETU Waterford on February 7th, but they regrouped and took an impressive win over UU Belfast’s side at 40-7. This was enough to reach the Quarter-Finals but February 21st but it was their last outing of the season after a disappointing 31-22 loss to MTU Cork down in Bishopstown. Many remained training for the remainder of the season as the 1stXV were preparing for the Johnston Cup campaign. 

 The experienced line-up of the women's team saw them deservedly clinch both titles this year, led by captain and veteran scrum-half Abbie Salter-Townsend. The women’s league campaign saw them win their first three fixtures and the successive semi-final with impressive margins.  Game one was at home and saw the University of Galway travel down back in October.ng the season how they meant to go on the girls took a strong 43-10 win. Games two and three saw a 46-22 win over UCC and a 47-12 win over MTU Cork. Their biggest win of the season was the League Semi-Final against SETU Carlow, where they came away with 76-0. The All-Ireland Division 1 League final saw UL facing a tougher challenge against UCD but they showed resilience and determination to secure a hard-fought victory, emerging as champions of Division 1 at a closer score of 29 to 25. 

 After the Christmas break there was a slight disconnect in the panel. Multipleng players were missing as they lined out for the Munster/Connacht joint team, the Clover’s, that took part in the international Celtic Challenge. This resulted in the Senior women’s team’s only loss of the season, with a determined Carlow triumphing over the Wolves’ team with a score line of 37-48. They quickly made up for it however beating Trinity College Dublin 65-0 just a week later. Round 3 of the Tier 1 Cup saw an equally impressive score line with UL beating the University of Galway 46-7. These two wins earned the Women’s team enough points to make it past the group stage. They faced DCU for the first and only time of the season in the Cup Semi-Final on the 6th of March. Winning with a respectable score of 33-19, their spot in the final was secured. 

 A neutral venue of SETU Carlow hosted the season’s second final between the University of Limerick and University College Dublin. The sidesd off equal with tries from both in the opening few minutes. UCD managed to take the lead early in the first half with 7-10 but UL countered quickly. Halftime saw UL winning with 24-17 and the difference between the sides only grew. UL’s training during the year stood to them and brought the score up to 55-27, over double UCD’s point. It was a fitting end to the season as the UL Women’s Senior side lifted their second trophy of the year. 

 The experience brought to the teams from teammates and coaches aided in the success experienced by the club. The enjoyable and inclusive environment of the club allowed new members to join freely and be heavily involved. Of the 22-man panel for the Tier 1 Cup final, 10 girls were in first year. Consistent training during the year allowed them to improve and achieve the high standard needed in a short period of time. Many of them first played for the Development team before being called into the Senior panel. 

 The University of Limerick’s rugby club has had an exceptional season marked by impressive achievements and growth. Both the men’s and women’s teams have showcased their talents and dedications, resulting in the club securing two Division 1 League titles and a Tier 1 Cup. These achievements are a testament to the hard work put in by all members of the club. The inclusive and supportive environment fostered by teammates and coaches has allowed for the integration of new members and the development of young talent, ensuring a bright future for the club. As the season comes to a close, the University of Limerick's rugby club stands as a remarkable example of high-standards and excellence in UL Sport. 

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