Rugby fans across Ireland and Wales are bracing themselves for a blockbuster weekend as the Energia All-Ireland League resumes action and Cardiff Rugby unveils an enticing array of Six Nations hospitality experiences. The rugby calendar is bursting with high-stakes drama, mouth-watering fixtures, and off-field events designed to make this season one to remember.
In Ireland, the Energia All-Ireland League Men’s Division 1A and 1B are set to ignite on Saturday, January 10, with a full slate of matches promising fierce competition and storylines galore. Newly crowned Bateman Cup champions Clontarf, riding high atop Division 1A, are looking to extend their dominance as they travel to face Ballynahinch—a team still buzzing from their recent Bank of Ireland Ulster Senior Cup triumph. The last time these sides met, Ballynahinch led for 67 minutes before Clontarf snatched a 21-16 victory, thanks to a late try from Ivan Soroka. The stakes couldn’t be higher as Clontarf aims to consolidate their four-point lead at the summit while Ballynahinch seeks a statement win on home turf.
Elsewhere in Division 1A, Lansdowne and St. Mary’s College lock horns in a Dublin derby that could shake up the standings. Lansdowne, boasting recent wins and a 14-0 shutout of St. Mary’s before Christmas, are eager to leapfrog their rivals in the table. St. Mary’s, led by the prolific Mick O’Gara—Division 1A’s top scorer with 96 points—will be desperate to avenge that loss and start 2026 on a high note. Key changes in the St. Mary’s lineup, including Finn Burke stepping in for Dan Goggin and Oisin Michel promoted to the starting front row, add intrigue to a fixture where both sides have everything to play for.
Cork Constitution and UCD are also set for a pivotal clash. Cork Con, buoyed by a three-game pre-Christmas winning streak, are level on points with Terenure College and determined to maintain their defensive stinginess. UCD, despite flashes of brilliance from young out-half Paddy Clancy—who’s racked up 60 points and a division-high 2012 kicking metres—have struggled to string together wins and sit in the bottom two. With both teams hungry for momentum, this matchup is sure to test nerves and resolve.
At the other end of the table, Nenagh Ormond are searching for a fresh start after a tough debut campaign in Division 1A, having suffered nine consecutive losses. Young Munster, who routed Nenagh 57-10 before Christmas, are looking to build on their late-season form. Angus Blackmore and Willie Coffey have been bright spots for Nenagh, combining for 83 tackle breaks, but the team’s second-half defensive lapses—35 of 50 tries conceded have come in the final quarter—remain a concern. Can Nenagh turn the tide and pick up their first league points?
Terenure College rounds out the Division 1A action, hoping the Christmas break has cured their three-game skid. They face Old Belvedere, who are fresh off a thrilling 30-24 win in the Dublin derby. Belvo’s unchanged pack and the return of Johnny Kiely and Daragh O’Dwyer behind the scrum signal intent, while Terenure welcomes the return of Peter Sylvester at inside centre and makes several key changes up front. With both teams desperate to climb the standings, expect fireworks at Lakelands Park.
Division 1B is no less compelling. Old Wesley, the table-toppers, aim to complete a season’s double over Blackrock College, who despite impressive possession stats, remain mired in a four-game losing streak. Old Wesley’s Tom Larke leads all scorers with 110 points, and the return of Billy Corrigan and other Leinster Academy talents bolsters their ranks. Blackrock’s teenage sensation Harry Waters, with four tries and a recent Leinster ‘A’ appearance, will be one to watch as his side seeks a turnaround.
Instonians, second in the table, are forced to cope without top try-scorer Bradley McNamara, who’s making his senior Ulster debut. Mark Keane steps in at full-back, and ex-Ireland winger Craig Gilroy adds experience to the back-three. City of Armagh, fresh from a 23-17 win over Instonians just last week, are missing their own star hooker James McCormick, who’s on Ulster’s bench. With both teams missing key men, this clash could go either way and may have major implications for the promotion race.
Other Division 1B fixtures include Dublin University, led by Matty Lynch (83 points), aiming to keep their momentum against Queen’s University, whose Henry Walker has been a tackling machine despite team struggles. Garryowen, after a tough run, welcome back Diarmuid Kilgallen as they look to avenge a recent defeat to Highfield, while UCC and Naas face off in a crucial battle to avoid relegation trouble—both teams separated by just one point in the standings.
Meanwhile, in Wales, Cardiff Rugby has announced the much-anticipated return of the Locker Room Experience at Cardiff Arms Park for the 2026 Guinness Six Nations home fixtures. The hospitality packages, unveiled on January 9, promise an unforgettable matchday atmosphere with exceptional food, live music, appearances from rugby legends, and exclusive Q&A sessions. The Locker Room Experience will be available for Wales’ home games against France (February 15), Scotland (February 21), and Italy on Super Saturday (March 14). Prices range from £3,100 + VAT to £3,450 + VAT per table of ten, reflecting the premium nature of these events.
Cardiff Rugby’s Commercial Director Jack Butler expressed excitement about the upcoming events, stating, “Over the past few seasons we’ve made a real commitment to growing and enhancing our hospitality offer at Cardiff Arms Park, and the Locker Room experiences have become a standout part of that journey. The response from supporters and partners has been outstanding.” Butler also highlighted the contributions of rugby legend Tom Shanklin, noting, “Tom Shanklin plays a huge role in the success of these events, and we’re delighted to continue working closely with him as we build on what’s already been such a strong platform.”
In addition to matchday hospitality, Cardiff Rugby is hosting the Six Nations Charity Lunch on Friday, March 13, ahead of the Wales v France match. This event will feature a three-course meal, live entertainment, and rugby legends, all in support of the Cardiff Rugby Community Foundation. With limited places and high demand, fans are urged to book early to avoid disappointment.
As the rugby world turns its eyes to both the pitch and the stands, anticipation is reaching fever pitch. Whether it’s the battle for league supremacy in Ireland or the promise of world-class hospitality in Cardiff, there’s no shortage of stories to follow and memories to be made. The coming weeks are set to deliver all the passion, rivalry, and spectacle that make rugby truly special.
With so much on the line and every match, meal, and moment meticulously planned, rugby supporters are in for a treat as the 2026 season gathers pace. Stay tuned—these are the weekends that define a season.