Old Wesley Rugby Football Club was founded in 1891 from the past pupils of Wesley College, Dublin.[2] It plays in Division 1A of the All-Ireland League. The club won the Leinster Senior Cup in 1909[citation needed] and 1985[citation needed] as well as winning the AIL Division 2 title in 1989[citation needed] the AIL Division 2A title in 2015[3] and the AIL Division 1B in 2026[4]. They celebrated their centennial year in 1991 with a match against a star-studded Barbarians team featuring Internationals such as Eric Rush, Pierre Berbizier and Tony Underwood[citation needed]. They won the eleven-try match in dramatic fashion with a last minute drop-goal by Adrian Hawe to win 37-36.[5]
| Full name | Old Wesley Rugby Football Club | |
|---|---|---|
| Union |  IRFU | |
| Branch | Leinster | |
| Founded | 1891 | |
| Ground(s) | Donnybrook Rugby Ground, Dublin (Capacity: 6,000) | |
| Chairman | Andrew Bowers | |
| President | Patricia Parfrey | |
| Coach | Morgan Lennon | |
| Captain | Kiaran O'Shea | |
| League | All-Ireland Div. 1A | |
| 2025-26 | 1st.[1] | |
| ||
| Official website | ||
| www | ||
Through the early 1990s they were one of the most successful teams in Leinster, reaching three cup finals and consistently playing in the 1st Division of the AIL League[citation needed]. Old Wesley RFC were relegated from Division 1 in 1997 and the early years of professionalism marked a tough period for the club[citation needed].
Old Wesley RFC were crowned AIL Division 3 Champions 2008/2009 following a 30 - 12 victory over Corinthians, gaining promotion to AIL Division 2.[6]
Old Wesley RFC won AIL Division 2A in the 2014/2015 season, gaining promotion to Division 1B[3]
Old Wesley RFC won AIL Division 1B in the 2025/2026 season, gaining promotion to Division 1A[4].
The club runs 6 men's teams from the 1st XV to 5th XV, and an Under 20s team. Old Wesley RFC also has a full underage structure from U14s down to u6s, these teams train and play on a Sunday[citation needed].
Honours
edit- Leinster Senior League Shield
- Winners: 2011-12: 1
Club Personnel
editUnderage Teams
editThe Old Wesley RFC U-20 Team won the Premiership 2 title in 2019 and 2023/24 Purcell Cup Finalist.
In addition the club runs a full mini & youth rugby section with teams from U-8 level to U-17 level.
Touch Rugby
editEstablished in 2015 and based at the Energia Park (Donnybrook Stadium), the Old Welsey RFC Touch Rugby Club is the largest FIT affiliated club in Ireland.
Location
editBased in Donnybrook, Dublin 4 on the banks of the Dodder River, Old Wesley RFC share their ground with Bective Rangers FC and the Leinster Branch of the IRFU.
Until 2007 Old Wesley RFC played their junior matches at the Kilgobbin ground near Sandyford which they shared with Lansdowne FC. A new ground at Ballycorus was officially opened on 25 November 2007.[9]
Notable players
edit- Philip Orr
- Alan Doherty
- Eric Miller,
- Henry Hurley
- Chris Pim
- Robbie Love
- Dave Bursey
- Austen Carry
- George Hamlet
- Eric Campbell
- Andrew Porter - Mini player
- Ryan Baird - Mini player
- Stephen Smyth
References
edit- ↑
- ↑ "No cobwebs on old Wesley as new breed take centre stage". Irish Independent. 17 April 2009. Retrieved 2 April 2026.
- 1 2 "2 out of 3 aint bad for Old Wesley – Old Wesley – Join Us – A Club For Life!". www.oldwesley.ie. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
- 1 2 "** PROMOTED ** – Old Wesley – Join Us – A Club For Life!". www.oldwesley.ie. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
- ↑ "Barbarian FC Records". Archived from the original on 12 October 2007. Retrieved 19 August 2007.
- ↑ "AIB League Division 3 Final". Archived from the original on 21 July 2011. Retrieved 20 May 2009.
- ↑ "Patricia Parfrey elected President of Old Wesley – Old Wesley – Join Us – A Club For Life!". www.oldwesley.ie. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
- ↑ "1st XV Coaching & Management Team – Old Wesley – Join Us – A Club For Life!". www.oldwesley.ie. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
- ↑ "Old Wesley RFC :: Ballycorus Opening". Archived from the original on 16 December 2008. Retrieved 10 January 2008.
