Why Does Ireland Play as One Team in the Six Nations? The Unique History Explained

Yesterday at 01:42 PM

A fan recently posed an interesting question: Why does Northern Ireland have a national football team but not a separate rugby union team? The answer lies deep in history.

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The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) was founded in 1879, decades before Ireland was politically divided. Back then, Ireland was a single entity under British rule, and rugby was organised on an all-island basis.

Even when Ireland split in 1922—creating the Irish Free State (which later became the Republic of Ireland in 1937)—the IRFU remained unchanged, continuing to represent the whole island.

Football, however, took a different path. The Irish Football Association (IFA), founded in Belfast in 1880, was the governing body for the whole island until 1921.

But after Ireland’s political division, a breakaway organisation—the Football Association of Ireland (FAI)—was formed in Dublin, creating two separate teams: Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

So, while rugby remained united under the IRFU, football split into two teams, reflecting the political divide. That's why in the Six Nations, you'll see Ireland represented as one team, while in football, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland compete separately.

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NIGEL OWENS SIX NATIONS DREAM XV:

Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia), replaced by Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)

Owens said: “For me, it's nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.”

Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)

Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He's so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.

“I know he's a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.

“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you'll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”

Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)

Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he's a fantastic man off the field as well. O'Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.

“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”

Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand), replaced by Owen Farrell (England)

Owens praised Farrell as a player on numerous occasions.

On one occasion he wrote:“I can only speak from my own experience of refereeing him and, when I did, he was an excellent captain to deal with.

“I have a huge amount of respect for him as a player and a person. He always knew where the line was with me.

“I would say to him that he could always come and talk to me as long as it was at the right time and in the right tone and he always did that.”

Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)

Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it's pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I've been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.

“But if I'm pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.

“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”

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