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06 Sept 2025

Leinster and Munster to face off at Kilkenny Rugby Club

The local club will host the Junior Interprovincial Rugby match between holders Leinster and Munster

Leinster and Munster to face off at Kilkenny Rugby Club

Reporter:

Reporter

24 Apr 2024 11:11 AM

Kilkenny RFC have been given the honour of hosting the 2024 Junior Interprovincial Rugby match between holders Leinster and Munster.
Leinster rugby has 71 affiliated clubs. 18 of these are Senior Clubs and play in one of the five AIL (All Ireland League) divisions. 35 of the affiliated clubs are Junior Clubs and they play in one of the five Leinster Leagues. The remainder of the clubs play in the Metro leagues (Dublin based) or provide mini and youth programmes only. 
Kilkenny are a Junior Club and are extremely proud that three of their Senior Players have been selected on the Junior Interprovincial Squad, Ben Devlin, Wes Carter, Gary Dunne and Jake Caldbeck. Additionally, Kilkenny senior coach Steve Ashmore, is on the Leinster coaching ticket again this year.
Junior Interprovincial Rugby began in 1902, with a fixture arranged between junior playing representatives from clubs in Leinster and Ulster. The first match recorded a scoreline of 0-0. Reports from an Ulster newsletter in 1913 indicate that the match became a constant fixture in the Junior Rugby calendar, matches were even affairs with Leinster recording five victories, Ulster recording three victories, the remainder were drawn matches.
Munster played in the Junior Interprovincial Series for the first time in 1912. The inaugural match was played in The Market Fields in Limerick, Leinster emerged victorious with a 6-3 scoreline.
Leinster made a welcome change to their selection procedures in the mid 1920’s, when they started to include players from outside Dublin. The 1924 team included players from Kilkenny, Meath and Kildare.
In 1962 Connacht joined the Interprovincial series. It has continued as a fixture in the Irish Rugby Calendar ever since, with the exception of 2020 and 2021 due to the global Covid pandemic.
This year the Leinster Juniors will kick off their Interpro campaign against Munster at Kilkenny RFC on Saturday, April 27. Kick Off is at 2.30pm. Leinster won the Interprovincial Series in 2023, while Kilkenny Coach Steve Ashmore was part of the coaching Team. Leinster will hope to retain the title while Munster were the winners in 2022. This promises to be a great encounter as both teams showcase the best of junior rugby.
Kilkenny Rugby Club are looking forward to the occasion and eagerly anticipate a good crowd due to its excellent location for a Leinster/ Munster match. All spectators are welcome to what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

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