Domestic

Autumn Rugby Development Roundup

28th October 2026
Rugby players in black and red jerseys huddle together on the grass field.
The Munster Rugby Development staff have had a busy start to the season with blitz days and workshops taking places across the province.

Check out some of the work that has been done so far below.

Munster Girls X7s 

The season kick started with a host of Girls X7s tournaments, taking place in UCC's The Farm and in Virgin Media Park.

These tournaments are played in a cross field format, from touch line to touch line, and are played at both Senior and Junior level. Games equate to a total of 14 minutes, with seven minutes played each half.

This format of competition offers schools the chance to allow students to give rugby a go in a fun but competitive environment.

Check out some of the best pictures from across each of the events below.

Five women players in green, blue and purple jerseys jump to catch a rugby ball.
Seven girls in different uniforms play rugby on a green field.
A female rugby player in a blue shirt running with the ball on a field.
A group of women rugby players huddle together on a field.

Twilight 10s

Twilights 10s returned for 2026 as colleges in the province descended on Cork's MTU campus.

There were five teams competing in the women's competition and a further five competing in the men's. 

The team's in attendance were MTU Cork, MTU Kerry, UL, TUS and SETU Waterford.

Teams played a number of 10-a-side games which many used as a chance to develop players and have a bit of fun before a busy season officially begun.

Players in red and black striped shirts and shorts playing rugby on a grass field.
Player in black runs with rugby ball in hand, another player and bag on grass field.

Emerging School Blitzes Return

Our first Emerging School Blitz Day kicked off last month in Tralee RFC.

The schools in attendance on the day were The Green CBS - Tralee, ISK Killorglin and Colaiste na Sceilige - Cahersiveen. 

Emerging School Blitz days are geared towards schools that are at the developmental stage of their rugby journey. They allow players to compete at a level they are comfortable with while also encouraging growth and competition.

Group of players in blue and green kits posing for a photo on a grassy field.

Galbally Blitz Day

Galbally CCRO, Ed Hennessy, hosted a successful National School Blitz Day in his home club Galbally RFC.

There were seven teams from five schools participating on the day from Galbally NS, Knocklong NS, Anglesboro NS, Kilbehenny NS and Glenroe NS.

The teams played double touch rugby with each team getting four games each. 

The main emphasis of the day was for the children to learn about Galbally RFC and for them to consider taking up rugby in the club.

We would like to extend our thanks to Tony Henebry, Galbally RFC Youth Officer, and Derrick Ryan, U11s Boys Coach, for refereeing and assisting on the day.

We would also like to thank Galbally RFC for the use of their facilities.

Check out some of the best snaps from across the day below.

A group of young Gaelic football players on a field with their coaches and equipment.
Eleven children in blue jerseys pose for a photograph in a field.
Rugby players in green shirts posing for photo with a rugby ball in front
Eleven children in white and black uniforms pose for a photo on a grassy field.

Killarney National School Blitz

Earlier this month Killarney RFC also hosted a well attended National School Blitz Day. 

There were 80 students in attendance from three schools in the locality.

A variation of two touch rugby was played, allowing everyone to get involved not matter their level or experience.

Scroll down to check out the top shots from the day.

A large group of people wearing blue jerseys and sneakers stand in a circle on a muddy field.
Children in blue shirts run on a grass field with trees in the background.
Several people in blue shirts and shorts run across a grass field on a cloudy day.
A team of players in blue jerseys running across a grassy field.

Abbeyfeale National School Blitz

Abbeyfeale CCRO, Aine Reidy, also hosted another well attended National School Blitz Day for schools in the surrounding area.

Rugby wasn't the only sport on the cards for the day as students also got the chance to face off in a game of tug-o-war. 

As well as the fun and games Munster players Lee Barron and Mark Donnelly dropped by to sign autographs and answer the students burning questions.

Group of young players in blue shirts and shorts posing on a green field.
Group of kids and adults in yellow vests posing for a photo on a grassy field.
Young footballers wearing blue and white shirts gather around a coach on a grassy field.
Several children in bright yellow shirts line up on a field, with one holding a soccer ball.
Players in yellow vests run on a green field under a partly cloudy sky.
Four people in sportswear standing on a field with a rugby ball in front

Cashel Community College Workshop

Rugby Development Officers Ben Swindlehurst and Conall Fitzpatrick were in attendance at Cashel Community College this month for a workshop.

This workshop covered some of the key cornerstones of rugby like catch pass, breakdown, ball carry and evasion and tackle.

This gave the students a chance to watch, learn and ask questions before putting them into practice.

A group of players wearing yellow, red, and blue jerseys on a football pitch.
A team of players in yellow and red jerseys discuss strategy on a field.
A group of players in yellow, blue and red jerseys stand on a green field, some talking and others watching.