University College Dublin to host British & Irish Cup 2026
University College Dublin has been confirmed as the host venue for the 2026 British & Irish Cup, taking place over the weekend of 1st and 2nd August.
The tournament returns to UCD following the 2024 competition, where Great Britain secured their first ever Cup victory on Irish soil.
Recognised as a leading centre for sporting excellence, UCD is home to Leinster Rugby’s professional programme and previously staged matches during the 2017 Rugby World Cup.
Located in the southern suburbs of Dublin, the campus sits approximately 15 minutes by car from the city centre and benefits from excellent access to major public transport links.
Great Britain Programme Director Gregg Cropper said: “This will be my first British & Irish Cup as GB Tag Programme Director, and I’m really looking forward to it. The Cup always brings a strong edge and a high standard. We’ll be returning to University College Dublin, a venue I visited recently, where I was able to see first-hand the outstanding setting and facilities that will welcome us later this year.
“There’s been a lot of work done in the background over the winter, in terms of governance and policy changes, coaching team and performance advisory group appointments, all with the aim of strengthening our cohesion across the whole programme. With lots more to announce over the coming months.
“What stands out at this stage is the depth of talent coming through. Trials will be more competitive than ever, and that’s exactly what we want, players pushing each other, raising the level and vying for spots in the final team.
“With two tours this summer, this trials weekend is the start of that process. There’s a lot of work ahead, but we are in a good position.”
Great Britain will aim to secure a fourth consecutive British & Irish Cup after a commanding performance in 2025. GB claimed seven of the eleven categories, achieving a record winning margin of 17.5 to 7.5. For the first time in the competition’s history, Great Britain completed 5-0 clean sweeps in three divisions: Women’s Open, Men’s Open and Mixed Seniors.
FORMAT CHANGES
As the British & Irish Cup continues to evolve, so does the format.
Day one will feature ‘challenge’ games across all teams (XO vs XS, etc.), serving as warm-up fixtures ahead of the three-game Test series on day two. That’s when teams will battle it out to be crowned champions of their category, and overall winners of the 2026 B&I Cup.
To bring greater parity across the event, there’ll also be a shift in the points system. Previously, each age division (Opens, Seniors, Masters) carried different weighting. This year, a win in any category will earn the same number of points, ensuring equal value is placed on every team competing.
Great Britain trials will take place this weekend, in both the north and south of England, with over 300 players participating. Registration for the trials has now closed.
Jack Leahy (ITRA), Gregg Cropper (GTBR), Alex Mullin (ITRA) at University College Dublin.