The seed of modern-day Rugby League in Ireland was sewn in 1989 the Dublin Blues were formed, consisting mainly of Rugby Union players who wished to stay fit over the Summer. The Blues competed against touring teams from Britain and surprised many of the touring sides with the quality of their play, scoring many memorable victories over British Amateur League opposition.
In early 1995 the British Rugby Football League development arm financed the position of a Development Officer for Ireland, thereby providing a massive boost to the development of the game. In the same year Ireland formed its very first competitive team to play against the USA in Washington on St. Patrick's Day. Ireland won 24-22.
Competitive matches were established between teams in Leinster and Ulster: Schoolboy matches were played between Dublin and Belfast schools, Open Age Clubs competed against each other in the All-Ireland Challenge Cup. Open Age teams included Belfast Wildcats and Bangor Vikings from Ulster. Whilst from Leinster there were Dublin-based Dublin Blues, North Side Saints, Tallaght Tigers, Churchtown Warriors and Bray-based East Coast Panthers. From Munster the Cork Bulls were formed under the guidance of Ex-Dublin Blues stalwart Peter McNamara. Northside Saints and Cork Bulls had their successes but the long-established Dublin Blues were always pre-eminent and there or thereabouts when it came to the trophy presentations.
Currently there are two conferences representing Leinster and Munster. There are plans to resurrect the Ulster conference.
Dublin Blues
Dublin City Exiles
Churchtown Warriors
Clontarf FC
Kildare Dragons
East Coast Eagles
Cork Bulls
Waterford
Midleton
Treaty City Titans
Kerry Kings
Kilkenny Wildcats