All-Ireland League Update

There were dramatic finishes at a number of grounds in the Energia All-Ireland League’s final round, as clubs secured semi-final places and others tried to avoid the dreaded relegation play-off.
Division 1A

Ballynahinch rounded off their season with a 17-10 win over Young Munster as they picked up a first victory since February. They finished Division 1A in 9th place, meaning they enter a relegation play-off with bottom side UCC.

Relegation Play-Off First Leg (April 23): UCC v Ballynahinch, the Mardyke<br>
Relegation Play-Off Second Leg (April 30): Ballynahinch v UCC, Ballymacarn Park

Division 1B

City of Armagh had already confirmed a 6th place finish ahead of a 28-18 defeat by Banbridge in their final league game of the season. However, the win wasn't enough for Banbridge as they finished in 9th place, meaning they now head into a relegation play-off with Navan RFC.

Relegation Play-Off First Leg (April 23): Navan v Banbridge, Balreask Old<br>
Relegation Play-Off Second Leg (April 30): Banbridge v Navan, Rifle Park

Malone went into their game away to Navan only needing a point to guarantee their safety, and stormed to a 64-24 win, with Aaron Sexton grabbing a hat-trick as they secured an 8th place finish.

Division 2A

Queen's University had already secured top spot before a weekend defeat to Ballymena - which saw them hold on to 4th place. It means these two sides will meet in the promotion semi-final.

Promotion Play-Off Semi-Finals (April 23): QUB v Ballymena, Dub Lane; Cashel v Buccaneers, Spafield<br>
Promotion Play-Off Final (April 30): Home advantage to highest-ranked team

Rainey Old Boys completed the regular season with a 33-10 loss at Old Crescent, meaning they finish in 10th place and now enter the relegation battle.

Relegation Play-Off First Leg (April 23): Rainey Old Boys v Nenagh Ormond, Hatrick Park<br>
Relegation Play-Off Second Leg (April 30): Nenagh Ormond v Rainey Old Boys, New Ormond Park

Division 2B

Belfast Harlequins got themselves up into second spot on the final day, rewarded for winning 45-33 at Malahide. The victory gives them home advantage as they push for promotion to Division 2A.

Promotion Play-Off Semi-Finals (April 23): Greystones v Galway Corinthians, Dr Hickey Park; Belfast Harlequins v Blackrock College, Deramore Park<br>
Promotion Play-Off Final (April 30): Home advantage to highest-ranked team

Dungannon ended their campaign in 7th place after a home defeat by Greystones.

Division 2C

Bangor knew they had already secured a promotion playoff spot ahead of their weekend win away to Bruff, which saw them end the season in 3rd place.

Promotion Play-Off Semi-Finals (April 23): Enniscorthy v Tullamore, Alcast Park; Skerries v Bangor, Holmpatrick<br>
Promotion Play-Off Final (April 30): Home advantage to highest-ranked team

Omagh Academicals finished their season in 7th place, after a narrow defeat by Skerries. City of Derry did all they could to avoid a playoff as they beat Tullamore 49-28, but results elsewhere saw them finish 9th, meaning they now face a relegation fight.

Relegation Play-Off First Leg (April 23): Clonmel v City of Derry, Ardgaoithe<br>
Relegation Play-Off Second Leg (April 30): City of Derry v Clonmel, Judge’s Road