Season 2 Premiere, New Divisions, New Ambitions

The Women's Rugby Podcast on FinalWhistle returns for Season 2, with a new campaign, a new league structure and plenty of anticipation ahead of the opening weekend of the 2026/27 Energia All-Ireland League Women's Division.

Host Diarmuid Kearney is joined by Aimee Clarke (Railway Union) and Stacy Hanley (Galwegians) as the panel looks ahead to the start of a new era in women's club rugby. With the introduction of Divisions 1A and 1B, the trio break down the opening fixtures, assess the challenges facing each club and discuss what supporters can expect as the new season gets underway.

With fresh rivalries, renewed ambitions and plenty to prove, the panel explores how each side is shaping up for the campaign ahead, examining the key match-ups, potential contenders and early-season storylines across both divisions.

The episode also features an extensive collection of interviews from all 12 clubs, bringing supporters directly into the camps ahead of the opening weekend.

In Division 1A, the podcast hears from Nikki Gibson (Blackrock College), Jemma Lees (Galwegians), Emma Kelly (Old Belvedere), Aimee Clarke (Railway Union), Kate Flannery (UL Bohemian) and Laura Newsome (Wicklow) as the six clubs prepare to begin their campaigns in the top flight.

Attention then turns to Division 1B, where Eve Prendergast (Ballincollig), Bronach Cassidy (Cooke), Aisling Heapes (Ennis), Sophie Meeke (Enniskillen), Órflaith Murray (MU Barnhall) and Sara Rennick (Tullow) offer their perspectives on the season ahead, the challenges awaiting their teams and their ambitions in the new division.

From established contenders to clubs looking to make their mark, the opening episode brings together player insight, tactical analysis and perspectives from across the league as the Energia AIL enters an exciting new chapter.

Full fixtures, results and league tables will be available throughout the season on FinalWhistle.ie.

Big games, big voices, and big moments, everything you need to know at the Final Whistle.