Irish Rugby Facts
Irish Rugby has a long history at the domestic and international level.
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IRFU
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The Irish Rugby Football Union was formed in 1879 when the two previous unions, the Northern Football Union of Ireland and the Irish Football Union, joined together. The two unions had controlled rugby in different areas of the country from 1874 before combining. By 1885, it had 26 clubs affiliated to it. There are now 50 senior teams in the Irish National League.
International History
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The first international was played in February 1875 against England by teams of 20 per side. The first 15-a-side international was played in 1877.
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2009 Grand Slam
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Ireland beat Wales 17-15 to win the Grand Slam of European Rugby in 2009, the first time it had won the Grand Slam since 1948. The Grand Slam is won by beating every team in the Six Nations Championship, including the Triple Crown of beating the British nations.
Bryan O'Driscoll
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Ireland captain Bryan O'Driscoll won the fan's vote as the top player of the 2009 Six Nations Championship. O'Driscoll went on to become captain of the British Lions in 2009 for the South African tour of Great Britain.
Lansdowne Road History
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Ireland's Lansdowne Road is the oldest international rugby stadium in the world. Originally conceived by Henry William Dunlop, the stadium was opened in 1872, hosting its first rugby match between Munster and Leinster in 1876 and the first international in 1878. Until 1954, Lansdowne Road shared international games with Ravenhill in Belfast.
Lansdowne Road Future
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No longer up to the demands of international rugby or soccer, the IRFU began planning for a new construction at Lansdowne Road in 2004. In 2007, Lansdowne Road was demolished to make way for a new stadium constructed on the site to open in summer 2010.
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