Why do Ireland play as one team for Rugby but two teams for Football ?

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Answer 1

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From 1874 to 1879 there were two Unions for rugby in Ireland. The Irish Football Union had jurisdiction over Clubs in it Leinster, Munster and parts of Ulster; the Northern Football Union of Ireland controlled the Belfast area. The first International was played against England in February 1875.

In 1879 the two Unions agreed to amalgamate on the following terms:

(i) A Union to be known as the Irish Rugby Football Union was to be formed for the whole country.
(ii) Branches were to be formed in Leinster, Munster and Ulster.
(iii) The Union was to be run by a Council of eighteen, made up of six from each province.

However, with reference to soccer, the FAI was not founded until the 1920's, by which time Ireland was already split. We didn't play our first international soccer game until 1924, the Olympics.

This is just my guess. maybe others will have a better explanation. The GAA, founded before partition also remains as one body for the whole island.

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Asker's Comment:

Okay

Answer 2

rugby i would guess because we would have too small a team in northern ireland, football basically because its more popular and we have more players to choose from.

Answer 3

They dont

Answer 4

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ireland_nat…

cant really find anything specific but theres a section on that page called flags and anthems which has a bit on it, also may have something to do with the fact that rugby is played provincially Munster team, Leinster team,Ulster team, Connaught team so i guess it makes sense to bang em all together!

Source(s):

to be honest, i dont really know...

Answer 5

Possibly because a Northern Ireland Rugby team will never win anything.....ever!

Answer 6

Rik hey there I don't really know to be honest but I will ask my pal tomorrow as they are into sports big time :) xx

Answer 7

The same way as Irish players play for the British Lions Team. Henry was using Gaelic rules and the Irish are still crying.

Answer 8

Because were idiots...is my opinion!! That is why our rugby team is good and our soccer is rubbish!! :P I've wondered the same thing!

Answer 9

Maybe because rugby people are more professional? Anyway - we are also united for showjumping, hockey and boxing alongside many other sports.

The IFA was broken away from in the 1920's by soccer teams in the Republic who then set up their own association.

Answer 10

because we are nation drowning in our own hypocrisy unfortunately!