BY JOHN DAVIDSON
Irish amateur club Longhorns RL has taken the drastic step of quitting the Rugby League Ireland (RLI) to play games in the UK because of the lack of competition in Ireland.
The Dublin-based club plan to play six games in the UK this year as a touring team, with three English teams also travelling to Ireland to face them.
Paul Creaby, club chairman, said in a statement: “Longhorns RL, based in Dublin, Ireland, are announcing our departure from Rugby League Ireland (RLI) to compete in the UK.
“Due to several years of inactivity in the domestic competition and with only two other clubs remaining in the whole of Ireland, we have no choice but to travel to the UK to get regular game time.
“We registered with the RFL several months ago in case this situation arose, and unfortunately, we are now forced to activate that registration.
“The only club in Northern Ireland, Ulster RL, withdrew from RLI ten days ago, leaving just three clubs across the 32 counties:
• Longhorns RL
• Galway Tribesmen
• Dublin City Exiles
“This marks the fourth consecutive year with no growth in domestic Rugby League in Ireland. In fact, each year has seen fewer and fewer clubs, and there are now fewer than 100 players remaining in the country. Rugby League in Ireland is in a dire state.
“We have secured funding and sponsorship to support this major step, and our fixtures will be released shortly.
“If the domestic competition improves next year, we will consider re-entering. However, for now, to ensure our squad gets the game time they need, we will be based in Dublin while competing in the UK.
“We would like to thank our long-time supporters and sponsors for making this move possible.”
It is believed Longhorns have registered with the RFL and are aiming to fulfill a full season in the UK in 2026.
RLI has been approached for comment.
Former RLI boss Barry Coade spoke out about the declining state of rugby league in Ireland, and the drop in participation figures in the country, in December.
