Trinity College Dublin, in partnership with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU), proudly marked 150 years of Irish Rugby with a series of special celebrations, reinforcing the historic connection between Trinity College Dublin, Dublin University Football Club (DUFC), and the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU).
The commemorative events took place on Friday, 31st January, with a gala dinner in Trinity’s Dining Hall and the illumination of the iconic front façade of Trinity College Dublin with the IRFU 150 year logo and a green wash. These celebrations were held on the eve of Ireland’s opening Six Nations Championship clash against England at the Aviva Stadium.
Trinity College Dublin holds a unique place in the history of Irish rugby. The IRFU was founded at Trinity in 1879, when the Irish Football Union and Northern Football Union merged in House 9. Dublin University Football Club (DUFC), established in 1854, is the world’s oldest continuous rugby club and played a pivotal role in the foundation of Irish Rugby. Notably, DUFC provided the shamrock emblem now synonymous with Irish rugby, further cementing Trinity’s legacy in the sport.
The historic first international rugby match played by Ireland was against England at the Kennington Oval, London in 1875, with Trinity Rugby supplying the Irish team captain, G.H. Stack, and eight other players. Since then, over 150 Trinity students have gone on to represent Ireland in both 15s and 7s, men’s and women’s teams, including current international star Ryan Baird.
Declan Madden, President of the IRFU, commented: “Last Friday night’s event was an important milestone for Irish Rugby as we marked the illustrious story of Dublin University Football Club (DUFC). It is amazing to think that Rugby Union has been played on the grounds of Trinity College for more than 150 years, and though we celebrate the 150th anniversary of our inaugural international fixture on 15th February, this wonderful event showcased the long links which pre-dated the formation of what we now know as the Irish Rugby Football Union.
“It is fitting that we welcomed guests from the Rugby Football Union, England, perhaps our greatest rivals and friends, and indeed our first international opponents have stood shoulder to shoulder with the IRFU often through some of the darkest moments in our history. And it was a joy to see that sense of camaraderie and friendship continue the eve of the Guinness Men’s Six Nations opening round clash against the two sides the following day.
“As we look forward in this, our sesquicentennial season, this year we also reflect on the history of the Game in Ireland. The IRFU is proud of its heritage, its all-Island dimension and of our Clubs, Schools and Provinces. The story of rugby in Ireland over the past 150 years is one of overcoming adversity and thriving at all levels and to become a modern, inclusive and diverse organisation for men and women, boys and girls.
“Our values of respect, inclusivity, respect, excellence and fun underpin all our work. I would like to thank the sponsors and organisers, Provost Linda Doyle and everyone in DUFC who welcomed us and helped deliver an incredible event for the committees and guests of Irish and English Rugby.”
Dr. Richard Porter, Dean of Students, Trinity College Dublin, further highlighted Trinity’s role in the formation and success of Irish Rugby: “We were delighted to welcome the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and their guests from England, the Rugby Football Union (RFU), to Trinity College Dublin. A reception was held on Friday, 31st January, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the IRFU, their first-ever match being against England. The IRFU was founded in Trinity College Dublin, and the shamrock emblem used by the IRFU was donated by Dublin University Football Club (DUFC), Trinity's rugby club, itself 171 years old this year. DUFC supplied many of the players for Ireland in that first game and continues to produce talented rugby players, many of whom have played for Ireland. Trinity is very proud of its role in the origin of the IRFU.”
Michelle Tanner, Director of Sport and Physical Activity, Trinity College Dublin, commented: “Trinity College Dublin is immensely proud of its deep-rooted connection to Irish Rugby. Our university has played a fundamental role in the development of the sport, from providing the very foundations of the IRFU to producing generations of talented players who have gone on to represent Ireland at the highest level. It was a privilege to mark this occasion in the heart of Trinity campus.”
The illumination of the front façade of Trinity College Dublin with the IRFU 150-year logo and a green wash symbolised the unity between Irish Rugby’s past, present, and future. The gala dinner gathered esteemed guests from the IRFU, Rugby Football Union (RFU), Trinity College Dublin, and the wider rugby community to reflect on the sport’s rich heritage and continued growth.
Trinity College Dublin and the IRFU were honoured to host these celebrations and acknowledge the lasting impact of Trinity on Irish Rugby.