The Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship launch took place at the IRFU High Performance Centre to officially launch the 2023/24 tournament.
This year will see a return to a Finals weekend after three rounds of each province playing against each other.
Defending champions Munster kick off the 2023/24 season against Ulster at City of Armagh on Saturday, 12 August, before Connacht go head-to-head with Leinster at The Sportsground in Galway to conclude the opening weekend.
The City of Armagh Stadium is being used for Ulster’s home fixtures as the Kingspan Stadium pitch is being relaid.
The first round of fixtures will be broadcast live on the TG4 YouTube channel, before the Irish language broadcaster carries live coverage of all remaining matches on its main channel free-to-air, including the return of the showpiece Finals Day on Saturday, 2 September.
BBC Northern Ireland will continue to carry live coverage of Ulster’s matches, with the support from both TG4 and BBC Northern Ireland a real positive for the competition in recent years.
Through free-to-air coverage, the Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship has been given the platform to showcase the very best of the Women’s game, bringing it to new audiences, growing the support and building exciting momentum as we head into the new campaign.
All the international stars will be available for selection for the tournament which this year takes place in it’s own window.
At its conclusion the club players will return to Energia AIL action while the International players will gather for the World XV tournament taking place in October.
The complexity of bringing the Women’s season together in a way that allows the most playing time for players with each of their teams is an important element in its continued progress.
Round 2 of the Championship will see Leinster hosting Ulster at Energia Park on Saturday, 19 August, while Munster welcome Connacht to Musgrave Park in Cork.
A week later, on Saturday, 26 August, Connacht face Ulster in Galway and Leinster meet Munster in what will be a hotly-anticipated Round 3 clash at Energia Park.
The IRFU will confirm the venue for Finals Day in due course, but there is a desire to bring the Finals event around the country.
“We are delighted to formally launch the Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship, marking the start of a very busy season for the Women’s game,” said new IRFU President Greg Barrett.
“The growth of this competition in recent seasons has been particularly exciting and that is credit to the players, coaches and management teams at all four Provinces, but also a strong reflection of the excellent work that continues at club and underage level.”
“We remain committed to developing our Women’s Pathways and the Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship plays an integral part in that structure.”
“Our continued thanks to competition sponsors Vodafone, who are an excellent supporter of Irish Rugby at all levels, and to TG4 and BBC Northern Ireland, who remain steadfast in their commitment to growing the game and showcasing it to audiences on a free-to-air basis.
“We look forward to watching the next four weekends of action unfold and wish all four Provinces the very best of luck.”
The Interpro’s are an important part of Vodafone’s support for Irish Rugby. AON remain as the long standing primary partner of the Women’s International team but Vodafone have always stressed that it is an important element of their involvement to back both the Men’s and the Women’s game.
“Vodafone Ireland is committed to building the most interconnected team and fan base on the planet, so everybody feels part of and connected to the ‘Team of Us’,” said Head of Sponsorship at Vodafone Ireland, Gerry Nixon.
“We are excited to continue a very exciting year for rugby with the kick off of this year’s Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship, highlighting our continued support for Irish Rugby.”
“We aim to inspire the next generation of men and women in the sport and encourage all rugby fans to get behind their provinces and show their support during the Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship.”
