The IRFU Interprovincial Championship was a rugby union competition between the four provinces of Ireland – Ulster, Leinster, Munster and Connacht – run by the Irish Rugby Football Union. It was run as a distinct competition from 1946–47 to 2000–01,[1] with the 2001–02 fixtures being fulfilled by the match-ups in the newly formed Celtic League.[2] For a time in the 1980s, the IRFU ruled that Irish diaspora players should play for Connacht, in an attempt to strengthen the weakest of the four provinces.[3] The Irish Exiles took part for four years (1992–93 – 1995–96).[1]
In 2021, the United Rugby Championship introduced regional shields with the Irish provinces competing for the Irish Shield. Initially the pool included results against other non-Irish sides but from 2023 onwards, the URC announced that the regional pool shields of the competition would be decided only by results between the teams within each pool. With this change, the URC effectively reintroduced the Interprovincial Championship in its original format for the first time since 2002.
* Denotes that the title was shared. Points difference as tiebreaker was never used in the tournament.
There was not a full set of matches to complete the competition in 2001–02. The rules for deciding placing used for the Celtic League/Magners League/Pro12 for that season were used to decide the placings in the interpro table.
1. Matthew Neely (Collegians),
2. T Cromey (Collegians),
3. A Thompson (Instonians),
4. ED Bunting (NIFC),
5. Bob Agar (Malone),
6. Herbie Martin (Instonians),
7. Gordon Dudgeon (Collegians)
8. Des McCourt (QUB),
9. ND Beattie (Collegians),
10. Jack Kyle (QUB),
11. JA Todd (Instonians),
12. John Harper (Instonians),
13. Deryck Monteith (QUB, c),
14. Des McKee (NIFC),
15. HRH Morrison (QUB).
Connacht:
1. R Blackwood (TCD),
2. R C Scott (TCD),
3. J Naughton (Corinthians),
4. M Lally (Rovers),
5. P Joyce (Galwegians),
6. M Holland (Corinthians),
7. J Begley (Corinthians),
8. O Goodbody (Corinthians),
9. C Anderson (Corinthians),
10. F Flattery (Corinthians)
11. D McNally (Galwegians),
12. C MacMorrow (Bective Rangers),
13. L O'Brien (Ballinasloe, c),
14. M O'Rourke (Galwegians),
15. B Egan (Galwegians).
Munster:
1. A Hoare (UCC),
2. J Donnelly (Sunday's Well),
3. D Donovan (Bohemians),
4. Ernie Keeffe (Sunday's Well),
5. B Laffan (Garryowen),
6. C Roche (Garryowen),
7. Jim McCarthy (Dolphin),
8. C Kirkland (Young Munster)
9. E Murphy (Cork Constitution),
10. Paddy Reid (Garryowen),
11. Bertie O'Hanlon (Dolphin),
12. Mick Lane (UCC),
13. Angus McMorrow (Garryowen),
14. T Riordan (Cork Constitution),
15. J Staunton (Garryowen).
Connacht:
1. J Naughton (Corinthians),
2. R C Scott (TCD),
3. M Lally (Rovers),
4. P Joyce (Galwegians),
5. J. Joyce (Galwegians),
6. M Holland (Corinthians),
7. DB O'Malley (Corinthians),
8. K O'Shaughnessy (UCG),
9. B Egan (Galwegians),
10. L. O'Brien (Ballinasloe),
11. M Quaid (UCG),
12. C McMorrow (Bective Rangers),
13. B Collins (Galwegians),
14. M O'Rourke (Galwegians),
15. J Ward (Corinthians).
1. J Naughton (Corinthians),
2. B Scott (Corinthians),
3. N Lally (Rovers),
4. K Shaughnessy (Galwegians),
5. P Joyce (UCG),
6. O Goodbody (Corinthians),
7. J Joyce (Galwegians),
8. M Holland (Corinthians),
9. J Dillon (Ballinasloe),
10. L O'Brien (Ballinasloe),
11. M Quaid (UCG),
12. D McNally (Galwegians),
13. C McMorrow (Bective Rangers),
14. M O'Rorke (Galwegians),
15. B Egan (Galwegians).
Leinster:
1. M O'Neill (Old Belevdere),
2. Karl Mullen (Old Belvedere),
3. Leslie Griffin (Wanderers,
4. C Walsh (Monkstown),
5. Dick Wilkinson (Wanderers),
6. RE Coolican (Dublin University),
7. J Kehoe (Old Belevdere),
8. D. Kingerty (UCD),
9. B Nolan (Blackrock College),
10. EA Carry (Old Belvedere),
11. Barney Mullan (Clontarf),
12. Kevin Quinn (Old Belevdere,
13. A Creedon (BLackrock College),
14. Brendan Quinn (Old Belvedere),
15. C Murphy (Lansdowne).
1. Leslie Griffin (Wanderers),
2. J Aherne (Monkstown),
3. Hugh Dolan (Blackrock College),
4. C Walsh (Monkstown),
5. W Linehan (UCD)
6. J Joy (Blackrock College),
7. J McAuliffe (UCD),
8. R Ball (UCD),
9. Tom Cullen (UCD),
10. Jack Notley (Wanderers),
11. B Mullan (Clontarf),
12. Kevin Quinn (Old Belvedere),
13. A Creedon (Blackrock College),
14. L Hoffman (Blackrock College),
15. George Norton (Bective Rangers).
Connacht:
1. R Blackburn (TCD),
2. R C Scott (Ballina),
3. J Naughton (Corinthians),
4. P Joyce (UCG)
5. J Joyce (Galwegians),
6. M Holland (Galwegians),
7. J Begley (Roscommon),
8. G Mitchell (Corinthians)
9. J Geoghegan (Galwegians)
10. J Horan (UCG),
11. B Devlin (Corinthians),
12. HO Anderson (Galwegians),
13. P Collins (Galwegians),
14. M Brennan (corinthians),
15. A Foley (UCG).
Try: McKee Strathdee Hill (2) Nelson Con: McKibbin (2)
Connacht:
1. R Blackburn (TCD),
2. R C Scott (Ballina),
3. J Naughton (Corinthians),
4. P Joyce (UCG)
5. J Joyce (Galwegians),
6. P Sweeney (Corinthians),
7. M Nolan (Galwegians),
8. M Holland (Galwegians),
9. B Egan (Galwegians),
10. J Horan (UCG),
11. B Devlin (Corinthians),
12. HO Anderson (Galwegians),
13. P Collins (Galwegians),
14. M Brennan (corinthians),
15. A Foley (UCG).
1. R Blackburn (TCD),
2. RC Scott (Ballina),
3. J Naughton (Corinthians),
4. N Lally (Rovers),
5. J Langan (Corinthians),
6. M Holland (Galwegians),
7. M Nolan (Galwegians),
8. P O'Flaherty (Corinthians),
9. J Geoghegan (Galwegians)
10. J Horan (UCG),
11. P Murphy (UCG),
12. HO Anderson (Galwegians, c),
13. P Collins (Galwegians),
14. M Brennan (corinthians),
15. A Foley (UCG).
Munster:
1. B Hayes (Cork Constitution),
2. J Donnelly (Sunday's Well),
3. Tom Clifford (Young Munster),
4. P Keane (Young Munster),
5. P Madden (Sunday's Well),
6. F Dineen (Bohemians),
7. Ernie Keeffe (Sunday's Well, c),
8. Jim McCarthy (Dolphin),
9. R O'Dea (Garryowen),
10. A McElhinney (Dolphin),
11. Mick Lane (UCC),
12. Paddy Reid (Garryowen),
13. J Mackessy (Cork Constitution),
14. JJ O'Sullivan (UCC),
15. J Staunton (Garryowen).
1. M Kennedy (Corinthians),
2. R Scott (Ballina),
3. R Blackburn (c, Dublin University),
4. D Flynn (Galwegians),
5. G Langan (Corinthians),
6. M O'Flaherty (Corinthians),
7. C Clancy (St Mary's),
8. J Heffernan (Ballina_,
9. M Cox (Bective Rangers),
10. B Collins (Galwegians),
11. S Sweeney (Ballinasloe),
12. V Lane (Corinthians),
13. P Ryan (Westport),
14. M Brennan (Corinthians),
15. A Foley (UCG).
1. D Flynn (Galwegians),
2. R Scott (Ballina),
3. R Blackburn (c, Dublin University),
4. G Langan (Corinthians),
5. J Holland (Galwegians)
6. M O'Flaherty (Corinthians),
7. C Clancy (St Mary's),
8. M Kennedy (Corinthians),
9. S Dillon (Ballinasloe),
10. B Collins (Galwegians),
11. S Sweeney (Ballinasloe),
12. M Cog (Bective Rangers),
13. V Lane (Corinthians),
14. M Brennan (Corinthians),
15. A Foley (UCG).
1. Des McKibbin (Instonians, 2. FE Anderson (QUB), 3. Gordon Dudgeon (Collegians),
4. Jimmy Nelson (Malone), 5. Bob Agar (Malone),
6. JW McKay (QUB), 7. GRP Ross (CIYMS), 8. Ewart Bell (Collegians),
9. Ernie Strathdee (QUB), 10. Jack Kyle (QUB),
11. JSY Matthewson (QUB), 12. FA Olver (Instonians), 13, Noel Henderson (QUB), 14. Des McKee (NIFC),
15. Dudley Higgins (Civil Service).
Munster lineup:
1. T Clifford (Young Munster), 2. J Corcoran (Sunday's Well), 3. P O'Kane (Young Munster),
4. A O'Leary (Cork Constitution), 5. J Keyes (Garryowen),
6. M Madden (Sunday's Well), 7. E Keeffe (Sunday's Well), 8. JS McCarthy (Dolphin, c),
9. D Barry (Cork Constitution), 10. W O'Regan (UCC),
11. B O'Hanlon (Dolphin), 12. G Aherne (Lansdowne/Dolphin), 13. J O'Sullivan (Cork Constitution), 14. MF Lane (UCC),
15. D. Daly (Sunday's Well).
1. I. Johnston (Collegians),
2. Steve Smith (Ballymena),
3. D. Wallace (Ballymena),
4. John Rogers (Bangor)
5. C. Morrison (CIYMS),
6. Phillip Matthews (QUB),
7. Nigel Carr (QUB),
8. Willie Anderson (Dungannon),
9. Rab Brady (QUB),
10. Adrian Goodrich (Ballymena),
11. Kenny Hooks (QUB),
12. Roy Palmer (Collegians),
13. David Irwin (Instonians),
14. Trevor Ringland (Ballymena),
15. Paul O'Donnell (London Irish).
Connacht:
1. T. Healy (Shannon),
2. C. Fitzgerald (St Mary's),
3. H. McGuire (St. Mary's),
4. Mick Moylett (Manchester),
5. D. Grennan (Clontarf),
6. N. Hogan (Ballinasloe),
7. M. Smyth (London Irish),
8. P. Finn (Ballinasloe),
9. R. McGrath (Wanderers),
10. H. Condon (London Irish),
11. C. Hitchcock (UCG),
12. J. O'Connell (Corinthians),
13. D. Howard (St Mary's),
14. Eoin Lysaght (Blackrock),
15. Brendan Moran (Waterpark).
Replacement:
E. O'Flynn (Corinthians, for O'Connell 60')
1. D. Wallace (Ballymena),
2. Steve Smith (Ballymena),
3. I. Johnston (Collegians),
4. Brian McCall (London Irish),
5. John Rogers (Bangor),
6. Phillip Matthews (QUB),
7. Nigel Carr (QUB),
8. Willie Anderson (Dungannon),
9. R. Stewart (Collegians),
10. Adrian Goodrich (Ballymena, c),
11. Kenny Hooks (QUB),
12. Roy Palmer (Collegians),
13. David Irwin (Instonians),
14. Trevor Ringland (Ballymena),
15. Paul O'Donnell (London Irish).
Replacement: John Hewitt (NIFC, for O'Donnell 22')
Leinster:
1. Philip Orr (Old Wesley),
2. J. Cantrell (Blackrock),
3. M. Fitzpatrick (Wanderers),
4. George Wallace (Old Wesley),
5. Jim Glennon (Skerries),
6. Fergus Slattery (Blackrock),
7. Ronan Kearney (Wanderers),
8. Declan Fanning (St Mary's),
9. Sammy Lyons (Old Belvedere),
10. Ollie Campbell (Old Belvedere),
11. S. Doyle (Greystones),
12. Paul Dean (St Mary's),
13. I. Finnegan (Bective Rangers),
14. Paul Haycock (Terenure),
15. Hugo MacNeill (Oxford University).
Leinster: 1. P. Orr (Old Wesley), 2. Harry Harbison (Bective Rangers), 3. Des Fitzgerald, 4. J. George Wallace (Old Wesley), 5. J. Glennon (Skerries), 6. Ronan Kearney (Wanderers), 7. D. Fanning (St Mary's), 8. D. McGrath (UCD), 9. T. Doyle (Greystones), 10. B. Murphy (Bective Rangers), 11. John McGeady (Lansdowne), 12. Brendan Mullin (Dublin University), 13. R. Moroney (Lansdowne), 14. Paul Haycock (Terenure, c), 15. John Murphy (Greystones).
Ulster: 1. D. Wallace (Ballymena), Steve Smith (Ballymena), 3. J. J. McCoy (Dungannon), 4. John Rogers (Bangor), 5. Brian McCall (London Irish), 6. Davy Morrow (Bangor), 7. Ian Crowe (City of Derry), 8. Willie Anderson (Dungannon), 9. Willie Oakes (Instonians), 10. Alan Irwin (Instonians), 11. Keith Crossan (Instonians), 12. David Irwin (Instonians, c), 13. Roy Palmer (Collegians), 14. Trevor Ringland (Ballymena), 15. Paul O'Donnell (London Irish).
Ulster: 1. D. Wallace (Ballymena), Steve Smith (Ballymena), 3. J. J. McCoy (Dungannon), 4. John Rogers (Bangor), 5. Brian McCall (London Irish), 6. Davy Morrow (Bangor), 7. Ian Crowe (City of Derry), 8. Willie Anderson (Dungannon), 9. Rab Brady (Queen's University), 10. Ian Brown (Malone), 11. Keith Crossan (Instonians), 12. Alan Irwin (Instonians), 13. David Irwin (Instonians, c), 14. Trevor Ringland (Ballymena), 15. Roy Palmer (Collegians).
Munster: 1. T. Mulcahy (Bohemians), 2. P. Derham (Cork Constitution), 3. B. O'Brien (Highfield), 4. B. Foley (Shannon), 5. Donal Lenihan (Cork Constitution), 6. Willie Sexton (Garryowen), 7. P. O'Hara (Sundays Well), 8. A. O'Leary (Cork Constitution), 9. Michael Bradley, 10. Tony Ward (St Mary's), 11. Moss Finn (Cork Constitutions), 12. P. Cross (Young Munster), 13. Mike Kiernan (Dolphin), 14. Eddie O'Sullivan (Garryowen), 15. John Barry (Cork Constitution).
Connacht: 1. Tom Clancy, B. Deegan (Wanderers), 3. H. McGuire (St Mary's), 4. J. Healy (Galwegians), 5. Mick Moylett (Shannon), 6. J. Noone (Corinthians), 7. J. Mannion (St Mary's), 8. H. O'Donoghue (London Irish), 9. R. McGrath (Wanderers), 10. Ciaran Smyth (Corinthians, c), 11. F. O'Flynn (Corinthians), 12. D. Howard (St Mary's), 13. H. Condon (London Irish), 14. E. Lysaght (Blackrock), 15. Brendan Moran (Waterpark).
Ulster: 1. A. Campbell (Collegians), Steve Smith (Ballymena), 3. J. J. McCoy (Dungannon), 4. John Rogers (Bangor), 5. Brian McCall (London Irish), 6. Davy Morrow (Bangor), 7. Phillip Matthews (Queen's University), 8. Willie Anderson (Dungannon), 9. Willie Oakes (Instonians), 10. Alan Irwin (Instonians), 11. Keith Crossan (Instonians), 12. David Irwin (Instonians, c), 13. Roy Palmer (Collegians), 14. Trevor Ringland (Ballymena), 15. Paul O'Donnell (London Irish).
Leinster: 1. P. Orr (Old Wesley), 2. Harry Harbison (Bective Rangers), 3. Des Fitzgerald, 4. J. George Wallace (Old Wesley), 5. J. Glennon (Skerries), 6. R. Kearney (Wanderers), 7. D. Spring (Lansdowne), 8. D. McGrath (UCD), 9. A. O'Regan (St Mary's), 10. Mick Quinn (Lansdowne), 11. J. McGeady (Lansdowne), 12. Paul Dean (St. Mary's), 13. Brendan Mullin (Dublin University), 14. Paul Haycock (Terenure), 15. John Murphy (Greystones).
Connacht: 1. Tom Clancy, B. Deegan (Wanderers), 3. M. MacClancy (Old Belvedere), 4. Michael Tarpey (St Mary's), 5. J. Healy (Galwegians), 6. J. McShane (St Mary's), 7. Declan Greaney (Corinthians), 8. P. Finn (Galwegians), 9. Conor McCarthy (UCG, c), 10. C. Smyth (Corinthians, c), 11. F. O'Flynn (Corinthians), 12. Colin Hitchcock (Galwegians), 13. M. Feeley (Old Belvedere), 14. Brendan Moran (Wanderers), 15. Mick Quaid (Galwegians). Replacement: V. Ryan (Lansdowne, for Finn).
Munster: 1. T. Hennessy (London Irish), 2. P. Derham (Cork Constitution), 3. G. McLoughlin (Shannon), 4. Donal Lenihan (Cork Constitution), 5. F. Kearney (Sundays Well), 6. P. Collins (Highfied), 7. W. Sexton (Garryowen), 8. B. Spillane (Bohemians), 9. Michael Bradley, 10. Tony Ward (St Mary's), 11. D. Aherne (Young Munster), 12. Mike Kiernan (Dolphin), 13. O'Neill (Waterpark), 14. Ger O'Kelly (Dolphin), 15. John Barry (Cork Constitution).
Munster: 1. T. Hennessy (London Irish), 2. P. Derham (Cork Constitution), 3. T. Mulcahy (Bohemians), 4. Donal Lenihan (Cork Constitution), 5. F. Kearney (Sundays Well), 6. P. Collins (Highfied), 7. W. Sexton (Garryowen), 8. B. Spillane (Bohemians), 9. Michael Bradley, 10. Ralph Keyes (Cork Constitution), 11. D. Aherne (Young Munster), 12. F. Brosnahan (Young Munster) 13. Mike Kiernan (Dolphin), 14. J. Crotty (UCC), 15. John Barry (Cork Constitution).
Connacht: 1. Tom Clancy, B. Deegan (Wanderers), 3. M. MacClancy (Old Belvedere), 4. Michael Tarpey (St Mary's), 5. Mick Moylett (Shannon), 6. Declan Greaney (Corinthians), 7. John O'Driscoll (London Irish), 8. Noel Mannion (Corinthians), 9. Conor McCarthy (UCG, c), 10. Hugh Condon (London Irish), 11. Colin Hitchcock (Galwegians), 12. J. Daly (Lansdowne), 13. Ray Hernon (UCD), 14. F. O'Flynn (Corinthians), 15. Brian O'Donnell (Galwegians). Replacements: Joe Healy (Galwegians, for Mannion), Ciaran Smyth (Corinthians, for Hernon).
Ulster: 1. P. Kennedy (London Irish), John MacDonald (Malone), 3. J. J. McCoy (Bangor), 4. Colin Morrison (CIYMS), 5. Willie Anderson (Dungannon, c), 6. John Whitten (Instonians), 7. Willie Duncan (Malone), 8. Davy Morrow (Bangor), 9. Stephen Cowan (Malone), 10. Ian Brown (Malone), 11. Keith Crossan (Instonians), 12. John Hewitt (NIFC), 13. David Irwin, 14. Trevor Ringland (Ballymena), 15. Paul O'Donnell (London Irish). Replacement: Roger Anderson (London Irish, for Irwin).
Leinster: 1. P. Orr (Old Wesley), 2. Harry Harbison (Bective Rangers), 3. Des Fitzgerald, 4. J. Holland (Wanderers), 5. A. Blair (Old Wesley), 6. R. Kearney (Wanderers), 7. D. McGrath (Old Belvedere), 8. D. Fanning (St. Mary's, c), 9. Tony Doyle (Greystones), 10. Paul Dean (St. Mary's), 11. Paul Haycock (Terenure), 12. P. Clinch (Dublin University), 13. Brendan Mullin (Oxford University), 14. John Sexton, 15. Ray Hopkins (Terenure).
Munster: 1. P. McCarthy (Dolphin), 2. Terry Kingston (Dolphin), 3. J, Fitzgerald (Young Munster), 4. Donal Lenihan (Cork Constitution), 5. Richard Costello (Old Crescent), 6. Pat O'Hara (Sundays Well), 7. W. Sexton (Garryowen), 8. M. Gibson (London Irish), 9. Michael Bradley, 10. Ralph Keyes (Cork Constitution), 11. J. Crotty (Dolphin), 12. Mike Kiernan (Dolphin), 13. Moss Finn (Cork Constitution), 14. G. O'Kelly (Dolphin), 15. John Barry (Cork Constitution).
Leinster: 1. P. Orr (Old Wesley), 2. Harry Harbison (Bective Rangers), 3. Des Fitzgerald, 4. Neil Francis (Blackrock), 5. J. Glennon (Skerries), 6. P. Collins (Lansdowne), 7. R. Kearney (Wanderers), 8. D. Fanning (St. Mary's), 9. T. Doyle (Greystones), 10. Paul Dean (St. Mary's), 11. Paul Haycock (Terenure), 12. Tony Ward (Greystones), 13. Brendan Mullin (Oxford University), 14. T. Kennedy (St. Mary's), 15. Hugo MacNeill (London Irish). Replacements: John Murphy (Greystones, for Dean), S. O'Beirne (UCD, for Haycock).
Munster: 1. R. Bevan (Highfield), 2. Terry Kingston (Dolphin), 3. Peter Clohessy (Young Munster), 4. F. Kearney (Sundays Well), 5. Donal Lenihan (Cork Constitution), 6. P. Hogan (Garryowen), 7. Pat O'Hara (Sundays Well), 8. B. Spillane (Bohemians), 9. Michael Bradley (Cork Constitution), 10. Ralph Keyes (Cork Constitution), 11. N. Barry (Garryowen), 12. Mike Kiernan (Dolphin), 13. M. Finn (Cork Constitution), 14. Kenny Murphy (Cork Constitution), 15. Phil Danaher (Garryowen). Replacement: P. Cross (Young Munster, for Finn).
Munster: 1. R. Bevan (Highfield), 2. P. Derham (Cork Constitution), 3. Peter Clohessy (Young Munster), 4. Mick Galwey (Shannon), 5. Donal Lenihan (Cork Constitution), 6. Brian Spillane (Bohemians), 7. N. O'Donovan (Shannon), 8. P. O'Hara (Sundays Well), 9. Michael Bradley (Cork Constitution), 10. Ralph Keyes (Cork Constitution), 11. Pat Murray (Shannon), 12. Mike Kiernan (Dolphin), 13. M. Finn (Cork Constitution), 14. Kenny Murphy (Cork Constitution), 15. Phil Danaher (Garryowen). Replacement: M. O'Donoghue (Garryowen, for Galwey).
1. Nick Popplewell (Greystones),
2. P. Kenny (Blackrock),
3. Gary Halpin (Wanderers),
4. K. Potts (St. Mary's),
5. Neil Francis (Blackrock),
6. G. Pim (Old Wesley),
7. Kelvin Leahy (c, Wanderers),
8. Philip Lawlor (Bective),
9. Alain Rolland (Blackrock),
10. Brian Smith (Leicester),
11. R. Hennessy (Lansdowne),
12. P. Clinch (Lansdowne),
13. Vince Cunningham (St. Mary's),
14. Brian Glennon (Lansdowne),
15. Niall Farren (Old Wesley).
Coach: George Hook.
1. Tom Clancy (Lansdowne),
2. J. O'Riordan (Cork Constitution),
3. C. Shanley (DLSP),
4. Aidan Higgins (London Irish),
5. Steve Jameson (St Marys),
6. N. McCarthy (St. Mary's),
7. M. Fitzgibbon (Shannon)
8. Noel Mannion (Lansdowne),
9. Ken Lawless (Clontarf),
10. Eric Elwood (Galwegians),
11. Simon Geoghegan (London Irish),
12. Derek Holland (Galwegians),
13. Michael Cosgrave (St Marys),
14. Aidan White (St Marys),
15. Jim Staples (London Irish]].
Replacement: Enda Guerin (Galwegians, for Staples)
1. P. Soden,
2. T. Kingston,
3. P. McCarthy,
4. P. O'Grady,
5. T. Keogh,
6. K. Maher,
7. P. Hogan,
8. M. O'Donaoghue,
9. O. Kiely,
10. Ralph Keyes,
11. B. Walsh,
12. J. Clarke,
13. Phil Danaher,
14. Richard Wallace,
15. D. Larkin.
1. N. Donovan (London Irish),
2. J. McFarland (London Irish),
3. Gary Halpin (London Irish),
4. John Etheridge (Northampton),
5. Mat Keenan (London Irish),
6. D. Cleary (Orrell),
7. Paul Collins (London Irish),
8. Dennis Kelly (Manchester)
9. Rob Saunders (Orrell),
10. B. Wellens (Orrell),
11. Michael Corcoran (London Irish),
12. David Curtis (London Irish),
13. D. Dooley (Saracens),
14. Simon Geoghegan (London Irish),
15. Jim Staples (London Irish).
Replacements:
D. Lynagh (Paris University, for Wellens, 43').
Munster:
Coach: Garrett Fitzgerald.
1. John Fitzgerald (Young Munster),
2. Terry Kingston (Dolphin, c),
3. P. McCarthy (Cork Constitution),
4. Mick Galwey (Shannon),
5. Richard Costelloe (Garryowen),
6. Pat O'Hara (Cork Constitution),
7. Barry O'Mahony (UCC),
8. G. Earls (Young Munster).
9. O' Kiely (Shannon),
10. Dan Larkin (Garryowen),
11. Billy O'Shea (Shannon),
12. J. Clarke (Dolphin),
13. Brian Walsh (Cork Constitution),
14. Richard Wallace (Garryowen),
15. Charlie Haley (Cork Constitution).
Replacements:
George O'Sullivan (Highfield, for Larkin, 16'),
Paul Wallace (UCC, for Fitzgerald, 60'),
D. O'Mahoney (UCC, for Kiely, 79')
Coach: Jim Glennon.
1. Nick Popplewell (Greystones, c),
2. John Murphy (Greystones),
3. D. Dowling (St Mary's),
4. Brian Rigney (Greystones),
5. J. O'Callaghan (Wanderers),
6. Kelvin Leahy (Wanderers),
7. Robbie Love (Old Wesley),
8. Philip Lawlor (Bective),
9. Fergus Aherne (Lansdowne)
10. Paul Hennebry (Terenure),
11. Niall Woods,
12. Vince Cunningham (St Mary's),
13. M. Ridge (Blackrock),
14. Damian O'Brien (Clontarf),
15. C. Clarke (Terenure).
Replacements:
R. Finnegan (Lansdowne, for Leahy, 55'),
S. Byrne (Blackrock, for Finnegan, 70').
Exiles:
1. N. Donovan (London Irish),
2. J. McFarland (London Irish),
3. Gary Halpin (London Irish),
4. John Etheridge (Northampton),
5. Mat Keenan (London Irish),
6. D. Cleary (Orrell),
7. Dennis Kelly (Manchester),
8. K. Hickey (Coventry),
9. Rob Saunders (Orrell),
10. D. Lynagh (Paris University),
11. Michael Corcoran (London Irish),
12. David Curtis (London Irish),
13. D. Dooley (Saracens),
14. Simon Geoghegan (London Irish),
15. Jim Staples (London Irish, c).
1. Tom Clancy (Lansdowne),
2. Billy Mulcahy (Skerries),
3. D. Henshaw (Athlone),
4. T. Coughlin (St Mary's),
5. Steve Jameson (St Mary's),
6. S. Moran (Blackrock),
7. K. Devlin (St Mary's),
8. Noel Mannion (Lansdowne),
9. Ken Lawless (Clontarf),
10. Eric Elwood (Lansdowne),
11. Gordon Curley (Athlone),
12. Stephen Carty (Galwegians),
13. Michael Cosgrave (Wanderers, c),
14. C. Leahy (Wanderers),
15. Aidan White (St Mary's).
Leinster:
Coach: Jim Glennon.
1. H. Hurley (Old Wesley),
2. John Murphy (Greystones),
3. D. Dowling (St Mary's),
4. M. O'Neill (Blackrock),
5. J. O'Callaghan (Wanderers),
6. Kelvin Leahy (Wanderers),
7. Robbie Love (Old Wesley),
8. Philip Lawlor (Bective),
9. Fergus Aherne (Lansdowne)
10. Alan McGowan,
11. Niall Woods,
12. Vince Cunningham (St Mary's),
13. M. Ridge (Blackrock),
14. J. Sexton (Lansdowne),
15. Conor O'Shea (Lansdowne).
Replacements:
Michael Corcoran (St Mary's, for Murphy, 7'),
Paul Hennberry (Terenure, for McGowan, 64')
1. Tom Clancy (Lansdowne),
2. Billy Mulcahy (Skerries),
3. D. Henshaw (Athlone),
4. Tim Coughlin (St Mary's),
5. Steve Jameson (St Mary's),
6. S. Moran (Blackrock),
7. K. Devlin (St Mary's),
8. Noel Mannion (Lansdowne),
9. Ken Lawless (Clontarf),
10. Eric Elwood (Lansdowne),
11. Gordon Curley (Athlone),
12. Stephen Carty (Galwegians),
13. Michael Cosgrave (Wanderers, c),
14. C. Leahy (Wanderers),
15. Aidan White (St Mary's).
1. N. Donovan (London Irish),
2. John McFarland (London Irish),
3. Gary Halpin (London Irish),
4. John Etheridge (Northampton),
5. Mat Keenan (London Irish),
6. D. Cleary (Orrell),
7. Aaron Verling (London Irish),
8. Dennis Kelly (Manchester),
9. Rob Saunders (Orrell),
10. B. Wellens (Orrell),
11. Michael Corcoran (London Irish),
12. David Curtis (London Irish),
13. D. Dooley (Saracens),
14. Simon Geoghegan (London Irish),
15. Jim Staples (London Irish).
1. N. Donovan (London Irish),
2. M. Kernohan (Glasgow High/Kelvinside),
3. Gary Halpin (London Irish),
4. John Etheridge (Blackrock),
5. Mat Keenan (London Irish),
6. D. Cleary (Orrell),
7. A. Verling (London Irish),
8. Denis Kelly (Manchester),
9. Rob Saunders (London Irish),
10. Paul Burke (London Irish),
11. P. Hopley (Wasps),
12. K. Orrell (Treorchy),
13. D. Dooley (Saracens),
14. Simon Geoghegan (London Irish),
15. Jim Staples (Harlequins, c).
Replacements:
M. Dobson (Sale, for Kelly),
Ray Hennessy (London Irish, for Staples),
K. Rabitte (West Park, for Kernohan).
1. T. Clancy (DLSP),
2. James O'Riordan,
3. Ciaran Shanley (DLSP),
4. T. Coughlan (St. Mary's),
5. S. James (St. Mary's),
6. Victor Costello (St. Mary's),
7. Kevin Devlin (St. Mary's),
8. Noel Mannion (Lansdowne),
9. Brian Comerford,
10. Eric Elwood (Lansdowne),
11. Gordon Curley,
12. S. Carty,
13. M. Cosgrave (Wanderers),
14. Colin Leahy,
15. Aidan White (St. Mary's).
Replacement: Ronan Garvey (for White)
1. John Fitzgerald,
2. Keith Wood,
3. Peter Clohessy,
4. Mick Galwey,
5. Gabriel Fulcher,
6. Eddie Halvey,
7. Anthony Foley,
8. David Corkery,
9. David O'Mahony,
10. Paul Burke,
11. Brian Roche,
12. Phil Danaher,
13. Sean McCahill,
14. Kenny Smith,
15. Pat Murray (c)
1. Tom Clancy,
2. Billy Mulcahy,
3. Paul Flavin,
4. John Etheridge,
5. Steve Jameson,
6. Victor Costello,
7. K. Devlin (c),
8. Noel Mannion,
9. Diarmuid Reddan,
10. Hugh Carolan,
11. Gordon Curley,
12. Steve Tormey,
13. G. Lavin,
14. Colin Leahy,
15. Aidan White.
Replacements: M. Murphy (for Leahy, 40').
Exiles:
Coach: John O'Driscoll.
1. N. Donovan,
2. David Addleton,
3. Gary Halpin,
4. K. Gallagher,
5. A. Verling,
6. Darryl O'Grady,
7. M. Dobson,
8. Dean Macartney,
9. Guy Easterby,
10. Niall Malone,
11. Simon Geoghegan,
12. Laurence Boyle,
13. Dan Dooley,
14. Michael Corcoran,
15. Jim Staples (c).
Replacements:
Brian Wellens (for Malone, 75'),
A. Higgins (for O'Grady, 80').
1. Tom Clancy,
2. Billy Mulcahy,
3. Paul Flavin,
4. John Etheridge,
5. Steve Jameson,
6. Victor Costello,
7. K. Devlin (c),
8. Noel Mannion,
9. Diarmuid Reddan,
10. Aidan White,
11. Myles O'Reilly,
12. Michael Cosgrave,
13. Steve Tormey,
14. Michael Devine,
15. Hugh Carolan).
Replacements: Barry Gavin (for Costello, 33).
1. Henry Hurley,
2. Shane Byrne,
3. B. Keane,
4. B. Cusack,
5. Neil Francis,
6. Chris Pim,
7. K. Potts,
8. Robbie Love,
9. Alain Rolland (c),
10. Alan McGowan,
11. D. Wall,
12. Rory Moloney,
13. B. Glennon,
14. Paddy Gavin,
15. Ciaran Clarke.
Replacement:
Michael Kearney (for Clarke, 46)
Exiles:
1. N. Donovan,
2. David Addleton,
3. Gary Halpin,
4. K. Gallagher,
5. A. Verling,
6. J. Green,
7. M. Dobson,
8. Darryl O'Grady,
9. Guy Easterby,
10. Niall Malone,
11. Simon Geoghegan,
12. Laurence Boyle,
13. Dan Dooley,
14. Michael Corcoran,
15. Jim Staples (c).
Coach: George Hook.
1. Tom Clancy,
2. Billy Mulcahy,
3. Paul Flavin,
4. John Etheridge,
5. Steve Jameson,
6. Barry Gavin,
7. K. Devlin (c),
8. Noel Mannion,
9. Diarmuid Reddan,
10. Aidan White,
11. Myles O'Reilly,
12. Michael Cosgrave,
13. M. Murphy,
14. Michael Devine,
15. Hugh Carolan,
Replacements:
Tim Coughlin (for Devlin, 33'),
D. Henshaw (for Flavin, 40')
Leinster:
1. Henry Hurley,
2. Shane Byrne,
3. J. Feehan,
4. Brian Rigney,
5. Neil Francis,
6. Chris Pim,
7. Robbie Love,
8. Philip Lawlor,
9. Alain Rolland (c),
10. Alan McGowan,
11. D. Finnegan,
12. Rory Moloney,
13. B. Glennon,
14. Paddy Gavin,
15. Michael Kearney.
Replacements:
F. Campion (for McGowan, 25').
1. N. Donovan,
2. T. Garnett,
3. Gary Halpin,
4. S. Smith,
5. A. Verling,
6. J. Green,
7. Darryl O'Grady,
8. M. Dobson,
9. Guy Easterby,
10. Niall Malone.
11. Simon Geoghegan,
12. Laurence Boyle,
13. Rob Henderson,
14. P. Hopley,
15. Jim Staples (c).
Munster
1. John Fitzgerald,
2. Keith Wood,
3. Peter Clohessy,
4. Mick Galwey,
5. Gabriel Fulcher,
6. Eddie Halvey,
7. Anthony Foley,
8. David Corkery,
9. David O'Mahony,
10. Paul Burke,
11. Kenny Smith,
12. Phil Danaher,
13. Sean McCahill,
14. Billy O'Shea,
15. Pat Murray (c).
Replacements:
Richard Costelloe (for Fulcher, 67'),
Dan Larkin (for Murray, 72')
1. N. Donovan,
2. David Addleton,
3. Gary Halpin,
4. S. Smith,
5. A. Verling,
6. Dean Macartney,
7. Darren Adams,
8. Darryl O'Grady,
9. Guy Easterby,
10. Niall Malone,
11. J. Reynolds,
12. Laurence Boyle,
13. Brian Wellens,
14. D. Casado,
15. Jim Staples).
Replacements:
O. Cobbe (for Reynolds)
1. B. Keane,
2. Shane Byrne,
3. Angus McKeen,
4. Brian Rigney,
5. Neil Francis,
6. Chris Pim,
7. S. Rooney,
8. Philip Lawlor,
9. Niall Hogan (c),
10. Alan McGowan,
11. Niall Woods,
12. M. Ridge,
13. Rory Moloney,
14. Paddy Gavin,
15. Conor O'Shea.
Replacements: K. Potts (for Lawlor 40).
Munster:
1. John Fitzgerald,
2. Terry Kingston,
3. Peter Clohessy,
4. Mick Galwey,
5. Richard Costelloe,
6. Eddie Halvey,
7. Anthony Foley,
8. David Corkery,
9. David O'Mahony,
10. Paul Burke,
11. Kenny Smith,
12. Phil Danaher,
13. Sean McCahill,
14. Billy O'Shea,
15. Pat Murray (c).
1. Tom Clancy,
2. Billy Mulcahy,
3. Paul Flavin,
4. John Etheridge,
5. Steve Jameson,
6. Barry Gavin,
7. R. Rogers,
8. Noel Mannion,
9. Diarmuid Reddan,
10. Eric Elwood,
11. Myles O'Reilly,
12. Michael Cosgrave,
13. Steve Tormey,
14. Michael Devine,
15. Hugh Carolan.
Replacements: Barry Gavin (for Costello, 33).
1995
The 1995 IRFU Interprovincial Championship was the first to be held since rugby union was declared open to professionalism. At this stage the Irish provinces were still representative teams, not professional clubs.[142] Many involved in the game were concerned that domestic clubs could not afford to pay players, who could be lost to professional teams in England.[143] In September, the IRFU confirmed that, for this season, only senior international players would be paid,[144] with a one-year moratorium on payment for club and provincial players.[145] As the situation developed, match fees became available for Heineken Cup and Interprovincial matches.[146]Leinster won the Interprovincial title for the first time in twelve years.[147]
1. N. Donovan (Clontarf),
2. David Addleton (Coventry),
3. Gary Halpin (London Irish),
4. John Etheridge (Northampton),
5. S. Smith (Rugby),
6. John Green (Saracens),
7. Darryl O'Grady (Sale),
8. Darren Adams (Racing Club),
9. Chris Saverimutto (Sale),
10. Niall Malone (Leicester),
11. Simon Geoghegan (Bath),
12. Paul Flood (London Irish),
13. Rob Henderson (London Irish),
14. Michael Corcoran (London Irish),
15. Jim Staples (c) (Harlequins).
Connacht:
1. D. Kavanagh (Blackrock),
2. W. Mulcahy (Skerries),
3. C. Shanley (DLSP),
4. Graham Heaslip (Galwegians),
5. J. O'Callaghan (Wanderers),
6. R. Rogers (Blackrock),
7. K. Devlin (c) (St. Mary's),
8. Noel Mannion (Buccaneers),
9. Diarmuid Reddan (Old Crescent),
10. Eric Elwood (Lansdowne),
11. M. O'Reilly (Old Belvedere),
12. B. Carey (UCD),
13. R. Corrigan (Lansdowne),
14. M. Devine (Buccaneers),
15. A. White (Corinthians).
1. D. Kavanagh (Blackrock),
2. W. Mulcahy (Skerries),
3. C. Shanley (DLSP),
4. Graham Heaslip (Galwegians),
5. J. O'Callaghan (Wanderers),
6. R. Rogers (Blackrock),
7. K. Devlin (c) (St. Mary's),
8. Noel Mannion (Buccaneers),
9. Diarmuid Reddan (Old Crescent),
10. Eric Elwood (Lansdowne),
11. M. O'Reilly (Old Belvedere),
12. B. Carey (UCD),
13. R. Corrigan (Lansdowne),
14. M. Devine (Buccaneers),
15. P. Boland (Young Munster).
1. N. Donovan (Clontarf),
2. David Addleton (Coventry),
3. Gary Halpin (London Irish),
4. John Etheridge (Northampton),
5. S. Smith (Rugby),
6. John Green (Saracens),
7. Darryl O'Grady (Sale),
8. Darren Adams (Racing Club),
9. Chris Saverimutto (Sale),
10. Niall Malone (Leicester),
11. Jim Staples (Harlequins),
12. Paul Flood (London Irish),
13. Rob Henderson (London Irish),
14. Michael Corcoran (London Irish),
15. Simon Mason (Orrell).
Replacements: Barry Walsh (London Irish, for O'Grady)
1. N. Donovan (Clontarf),
2. David Addleton (Coventry),
3. Clem Boyd (Currie),
4. John Etheridge (Northampton),
5. S. Smith (Rugby),
6. John Green (Saracens),
7. Barry Walsh (London Irish),
8. Darren Adams (Racing Club),
9. Chris Saverimutto (Sale),
10. Niall Malone (Leicester),
11. Simon Geoghegan (Bath),
12. Paul Flood (London Irish),
13. Rob Henderson (London Irish),
14. Michael Corcoran (London Irish),
15. Jim Staples (Harlequins).
1. D. Kavanagh (Blackrock),
2. W. Mulcahy (Skerries),
3. C. Shanley (DLSP),
4. Graham Heaslip (Galwegians),
5. J. O'Callaghan (Wanderers),
6. R. Rogers (Blackrock),
7. K. Devlin (c) (St. Mary's),
8. Noel Mannion (Buccaneers),
9. Diarmuid Reddan (Old Crescent),
10. Eric Elwood (Lansdowne),
11. M. O'Reilly (Old Belvedere),
12. B. Carey (UCD),
13. R. Corrigan (Lansdowne),
14. M. Devine (Buccaneers),
15. P. Boland (Young Munster).
Replacements: M. Murphy (Galwegians, for Carey, 62), D. Henshaw (Buccaneers, for Kavanagh, 66)
1. G. Harper (London Irish),
2. David Addleton (Coventry),
3. Clem Boyd (Currie),
4. John Etheridge (Northampton),
5. S. Smith (Rugby),
6. John Green (Saracens),
7. Barry Walsh (London Irish),
8. Darren Adams (Racing Club),
9. Chris Saverimutto (Sale),
10. Niall Malone (Leicester),
11. John Gallagher (Harlequins),
12. Paul Flood (London Irish),
13. Rob Henderson (London Irish),
14. Michael Corcoran (London Irish),
15. Jim Staples (c, Harlequins).
Replacements:
Brian Wellens (Liverpool St. Helens, for Flood),
Simon Mason (Orrell, for Staples),
Robin Saverimutto (Coventry, for C. Saverimutto),
Darryl O'Grady (Sale, for Green)
1. D. Kavanagh (Blackrock),
2. W. Mulcahy (Skerries),
3. C. Shanley (DLSP),
4. Graham Heaslip (Galwegians),
5. J. O'Callaghan (Wanderers),
6. R. Rogers (Blackrock),
7. K. Devlin (c) (St. Mary's),
8. Noel Mannion (Buccaneers),
9. Diarmuid Reddan (Old Crescent),
10. Eric Elwood (Lansdowne),
11. M. O'Reilly (Old Belvedere),
12. B. Carey (UCD),
13. R. Corrigan (Lansdowne),
14. Nigel Carolan (Galwegians),
15. A. White.
Replacement: M. Murphy (Galwegians, for Carey, 58)
The 1996 Interprovincial Championship was sponsored by Guinness in a three-year deal worth £115,000, taking over from the previous sponsors, Smithwicks.[162] The Irish Exiles were no longer able to compete as matches clashed with club games in England.[163]
At this stage the Irish provinces were still representative teams, not professional clubs. However, the provinces were now offering contracts and match fees for Heineken Cup and Interprovincial matches, although these contracts sometimes conflicted with players contracted to clubs in England.[164]
1. J. Maher (Old Belvedere),
2. W. Mulcahy (Skerries),
3. R. Ward (Old Belvedere),
4. Graham Heaslip (Galwegians),
5. Mick O'Neill (Blackrock),
6. R. Rogers (Blackrock),
7. B. Gavin (Galwegians),
8. K. Devlin (St. Mary's, c),
9. C. McGuinness (St. Mary's),
10. Eric Elwood (Lansdowne),
11. D. Finnegan (Wanderers),
12. N. Barry (Clontarf),
13. Alan Reddan (Lansdowne),
14. Michael Devine (Buccaneers),
15. B. Carey (Blackrock).
Replacements: Nigel Carolan (Corinthians, for Barry), Diarmuid Reddan (Galwegians, for Carey).
1. Richard Mackey (Malone),
2. Stephen Ritchie (Ballymena),
3. Clem Boyd (Currie),
4. Gary Longwell (Ballymena),
5. Charlie Simpson (Dungannon),
6. Stuart Duncan (Malone),
7. Denis McBride (c, Malone),
8. Stephen McKinty (Bangor),
9. Stephen Bell (Dungannon),
10. Stuart Laing (Portadown),
11. Jan Cunningham (TCD),
12. Mark McCall (Dungannon),
13. Maurice Field (Malone),
14. James Topping (Ballymena),
15. Robin Morrow (QUB).
Leinster:
1. Henry Hurley (Old Wesley),
2. M. McDermott,
3. A. McKeen (Lansdowne),
4. Steve Jameson (St. Mary's College),
5. G. Duffy,
6. Chris Pim (Old Wesley, c),
7. D. Oswald (Blackrock),
8. Kevin Spicer (Oxford,
9. N. Hogan (Oxford),
10. Richard Governey (Lansdowne),
11. Denis Hickie (St. Mary's),
12. Kurt McQuilkin (Lansdowne),
13. M. Ridge (Old Belvedere),
14. D. Coleman (Terenure),
15. Peter McKenna (Old Belvedere).
Ulster: 1. Richard Mackey (Malone), 2. Stephen Ritchie (Ballymena), 3. Clem Boyd (Currie), 4. Gary Longwell (Ballymena), 5. Alan Robinson (Ballymena), 6. Stuart Duncan (Malone), 7. Denis McBride (c, Malone), 8. Stephen McKinty (Bangor), 9. Stephen Bell (Dungannon), 10. Stuart Laing (Portadown), 11. Jan Cunningham (TCD), 12. Mark McCall (Dungannon), 13. Maurice Field (Malone), 14. James Topping (Ballymena), 15. Robin Morrow (QUB).
Ulster: 1. Richard Mackey (Malone), 2. Stephen Ritchie (Ballymena), 3. Clem Boyd (Currie), 4. Gary Longwell (Ballymena), 5. Alan Robinson (Ballymena), 6. Stuart Duncan, 7. Denis McBride (c, Malone), 8. Stephen McKinty (Bangor), 9. Stephen Bell (Dungannon), 10. Stuart Laing (Portadown), 11. Jan Cunningham (TCD), 12. Sheldon Coulter (Ballymena), 13. Mark McCall (Dungannon), 14. James Topping (Ballymena), 15. Robin Morrow (QUB).
The IRFU offered new contracts for provincial players for this season. Full-time players would receive a retainer of £25,000, plus a win bonus of £500 for Heineken Cup matches. Part-time players would be paid a retainer of £7,500, plus a match fee of £400 for Interprovincial matches and £800 for the Heineken Cup, and a win bonus of £450 for both competitions.[174] Each province could have a maximum of 30 contracted players.[175]
1. Richard Mackey,
2. Stephen Ritchie,
3. Gary Leslie,
4. Tony McWhirter,
5. Gary Longwell,
6. Roger Wilson,
7. Stephen McKinty,
8. Andy Ward,
9. Kenton Hillman,
10. Stuart Laing,
11. Graeme McCluskey,
12. Stan McDowell,
13. Sheldon Coulter,
14. Jan Cunningham,
15. Robin Morrow.
Replacements: Rab Irwin (for Leslie).
This season, the tournament adopted a new format, with each team playing each other home and away. The tournament points system was adopted from Super 12 and the Tri Nations, with four points for a win and two for a draw, a bonus point for scoring four or more tries in a match, and a bonus point for losing by seven points or less.[182] This led to an average of over four tries scored per match.[183]
The tournament was strengthened by a drive by Ireland coach Warren Gatland to bring Irish players who had signed contracts with English clubs back to Ireland to play in the Interprovincial Championship and Heineken Cup.[184] The provinces would have squads of 30 players, most of whom would be full-time professionals.[185]
The title came down to a decider between Leinster and Munster at Donnybrook,[186] with both teams level on points going into the final weekend. Munster took the title with a win, thanks to a man-of-the-match performance by Alan Quinlan.[187]
1. Justin Fitzpatrick,
2. Richard Weir,
3. Simon Best,
4. Gary Longwell,
5. Paddy Johns,
6. Russell Nelson,
7. Andy Ward,
8. Tony McWhirter,
9. Brad Free,
10. David Humphreys (c),
11. Tyrone Howe,
12. Jonathan Bell,
13. Ryan Constable,
14. James Topping,
15. Grant Henderson.
1. Justin Fitzpatrick,
2. Richard Weir,
3. Simon Best,
4. Paddy Johns,
5. Gary Longwell,
6. Russell Nelson,
7. Andy Ward,
8. Tony McWhirter,
9. Brad Free,
10. David Humphreys (c),
11. Tyrone Howe,
12. Jonathan Bell,
13. Ryan Constable,
14. James Topping,
15. Grant Henderson.
Replacements:
Mark Blair (for Longwell, 60),
Shane Stewart (for Henderson, 63),
Stephen Bell (for Free, 71),
Derek Topping (for Ward, 74)
1. Justin Fitzpatrick,
2. Richard Weir,
3. Simon Best,
4. Paddy Johns,
5. Gary Longwell,
6. Russell Nelson,
7. Andy Ward,
8. Tony McWhirter,
9. Brad Free,
10. David Humphreys (c),
11. Tyrone Howe,
12. Jonathan Bell,
13. Ryan Constable,
14. James Topping,
15. Grant Henderson.
Replacements:
Derek Topping (for McWhirter, 40),
Shane Stewart (for Henderson, 67),
Stephen Bell (for Free, 75).
1. Justin Fitzpatrick,
2. Richard Weir,
3. Simon Best,
4. Mark Blair,
5. Gary Longwell,
6. Russell Nelson,
7. Andy Ward,
8. Tony McWhirter,
9. Brad Free,
10. David Humphreys (c),
11. Tyrone Howe,
12. Jonathan Bell,
13. Ryan Constable,
14. James Topping,
15. Grant Henderson.
Replacements:
Derek Topping (for Nelson, 59),
Stephen Bell (for Free, 63),
Shane Stewart (for J. Topping, 77).
1. Justin Fitzpatrick,
2. Richard Weir,
3. Simon Best,
4. Paddy Johns,
5. Gary Longwell,
6. Russell Nelson,
7. Andy Ward,
8. Tony McWhirter,
9. Brad Free,
10. David Humphreys (c),
11. Shane Stewart,
12. Jonathan Bell,
13. Ryan Constable,
14. James Topping,
15. Grant Henderson.
Replacements:
Derek Topping (for McWhirter, 64),
Mark Blair (for Johns, 71),
Clem Boyd (for Best, 71),
Stephen Bell (for Free, 76).
The 2001–02 IRFU Interprovincial Championship was a transitional season before the competition was superseded by the Celtic League. Pool matches between Irish provinces in the 2001–02 Celtic League counted towards the championship. The remaining Interprovincial fixtures were originally scheduled to take place in December 2001, but were postponed because IRFU director of fitness Dr. Liam Hennessy felt that the schedule, between the Celtic League, the Heineken Cup and the Autumn internationals, was too onerous and players needed a period of rest and recovery to prepare for the Six Nations.[226] They took place in April and May 2002.[227]