Having successfully played out their truncated domestic season during August involving six clubs, Ireland Rugby League has had to delay their triple-header finals day – due to be held in Claddagh, Galway on Saturday - owing to reintroduced coronavirus restrictions in the region.

After completing three weekends, with the sides split into two groups, Galway Tribesmen and Longhorns were due to contest the Grand Final, with Cork Bulls and Dublin City Exiles playing out for third place, and Barrowcudas and Athboy Rams contesting fifth spot.

Ireland RL Chairman Dave Fitzhenry commented: “Last March RLI was not sure we would see players take to the pitches at all. Credit must go to our Covid planning committee and, following Sport Ireland’s guidelines, we got to our Grand Final day. 

“Unfortunately we have had to postpone the event until September due to the revised restrictions with the health and safety of all involved naturally paramount. On a positive note, we thought at one stage we wouldn’t see rugby league this season but we now have an extra club and several new ones from regions around the country looking to join our leagues next season.”

 The deciding matches will be rearranged in line with advice from the government.