Why is there one rugby but two football teams representing ireland?

Question

Why is there one rugby but two football teams representing ireland?

Answer 1

Simply because of the nature of rugby.  There are not nearly enough teams to compete on an equal basis whereas in soccer with its larger fan base they can afford to have two teams play for Ireland.  Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are two different countries one is part of Great Britain the other is part of United Kingdom.

Answer 2

Although many rugby fans would like to believe that the united Ireland team is a symbol of the lack of bitterness and sectarianism in rugby, the reality is somewhat less romantic.

Traditionally most rugby players/fans (both in the North and the Republic) were middle-class and of a Unionist persuasion (what would be referred to as "West Brits" in a derogatory context).  As a result, Protestants in NI had no problem supporting a united Ireland team since it in no way suggested a lack of Britishness.

Nowadays, I have no idea about the political persuasion of Irish rugby fans but I do know that rugby continues to be a predominantly middle class sport (even rugby players who didn't go to private/boarding schools generally come from "good" backgrounds) and in the North it is overwhelmingly Protestant.

Answer 3

pretty simple. northern ireland doesnt have a rugby team

Answer 4

there isnt

ireland rugby = republic of ireland

ireland football = republic of ireland

northern ireland football = northern ireland

Answer 5

Rugby in Ireland is traditionaly played by 4 provinces Ulster (Northern Ireland), Munster, Leinster and Connaught (Republic).  So Ireland rugby team has always represented the Island rather than a specific nation.  It is why 2 anthems are played at Home matches and why 'Irelands Call' (neutral song) is played at away.

As a side note rugby in Ulster rugby is predominantly played by Protestants.

Answer 6

Their aren't

Northern Ireland is a U.K. province.

There is also  an Ulster rugby team which competes at club level.

FIFA insists that countries compete at football seperately.

The internationally bodies for rugby, cricket and athletics all have different rules.

I believe the cricket team is also a cross-border team.

Answer 7

don't complain, rugby is sh*te!  be thankful that there is one less team...  congratulations to northern ireland for having the common sense not to bother with a rugby team - how very sensible!!!

Answer 8

Probably that IRB ( irish rugby board) was formed before Irealnd was split into Northen Ireland and the Repblic of Ireland, whilst the Irish FA was formed post split.

Answer 9

Technically their is only one Ireland Football Team and one Ireland Rugby Team, as the other football team you refer to is Northern Ireland.

It is in all likelihood to be because football is a more popular sport and therefore Northern Ireland are capable of raising a football team, but not a rugby team due to numbers.

Answer 10

YOU ARE ALL STUPID !THE IRISH TEAM IS THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND AND NORTHEN IRELAND.IN FOOTBALL THEY HAVE SEPERATE TEAMS!

Answer 11

no wot r ye on a bout??

the ireland rugby team is both the rep of ireland nd northern ireland to2gether because tommy bowe, isacce boss, rory best nd many more of dem play 4 ireland and dare all 4om da north!!

but did ye eva notice dats y day av "irelands call" before da match so dat da "ENGLISH" players dont av ta sing da irish national anteam which i dink is pure stupid!!! some of dem refuse ta sing da natonal anteam wen it comes on because dare 4om da north??

nd 4 da soccer teams its always just dat way dat northern ireland ad a totally different team nd were not complanin!!

hope dat answers ur question!!

IRELAND TA WIN DA WORLD CUP (day av a way beta chance dan england nyway in afard:-)