2013–14 British and Irish Cup
The 2013–14 British and Irish Cup was the fifth season of the annual rugby union competition for second tier, semi-professional clubs from Britain and Ireland. Leinster A were the defending champions having won the 2012–13 Final with a 78th minute penalty by Noel Reid to beat Newcastle Falcons 18–17 at their home ground Kingston Park.[3][4] There has been four different winners and four different losing finalists of the competition in the first four seasons of its existence.
| 2013–14 British and Irish Cup | |
|---|---|
| Tournament details | |
| Countries |    .svg.png){kind=small} |
| Tournament format(s) | Round-robin and knockout |
| Date | 11 October 2013 — 23 May 2014 |
| Tournament statistics | |
| Teams | 24 |
| Matches played | 79 |
| Attendance | 93,761 (1,187 per match) |
| Tries scored | 477 (6.04 per match) |
| Top point scorer(s) | Cathal Marsh (Leinster A) (100 points)[1] |
| Top try scorer(s) | Aaron Warren (Llanelli) (9 tries)[2] |
| Final | |
| Venue | Donnybrook |
| Attendance | 1,400 |
| Champions | |
| Runners-up | |
The format of the competition has been changed once again, with Welsh participation being reduced to just four teams (down from 12 in the previous season). The Welsh teams were selected based on regional play-offs involving the 2013–14 Premier Division clubs at the start of the season. This process yielded Pontypridd to represent the Cardiff Blues Region, Cross Keys to represent the Dragons Region, Aberavon to represent the Ospreys Region, and Llanelli to represent the Scarlets Region.
Matches in the competition proper were played on the same weekends as the Heineken Cup and European Challenge Cup. First round matches began on 11 October 2013 and the final was held on 23 May 2014. Leinster A beat Leeds Carnegie 44 – 17 in the final and retained the cup they won in the previous season – the first team to win the cup for a second time.[5][6]
Teams
The allocation of teams was as follows:
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Welsh qualification
Welsh participation was reduced from 12 teams (in the previous season) to just four. The Welsh teams were selected based on regional play-offs involving the 2013–14 Premier Division clubs at the start of the season.[7] Teams gained home advantage depending upon their finishing position at the end of the 2012–13 season. For example, in the Cardiff Blues region, Cardiff RFC (8th in the 2012-13 Welsh Premier Division) traveled to Sardis Road to play Pontypridd RFC (1st).[8] Likewise, Llanelli RFC (3rd) hosted Carmarthen Quins RFC (6th) with the winner (Llanelli) travelling to Llandovery RFC (2nd) to contest the right to represent the Scarlets region.[9]
Cardiff Blues Region
- The winner of the Cardiff Blues Region, Pontypridd, will play in Pool 2.[11]
Dragons Region
- The winner of the Dragons Region, Cross Keys, will play in Pool 1.[11]
Ospreys Region
- The winner of the Ospreys Region, Aberavon, will play in Pool 5.[11]
Scarlets Region
- The winner of the Scarlets Region, Llanelli, will play in Pool 3.[11]
Competition format
The competition format is a pool stage followed by a knockout stage. The pool stage consists of six pools of four teams playing home and away matches. The top side in each pool, plus the two best runners-up, will progress to the knockout stage. The eight quarter-finalists will be ranked, with teams ranked 1-4 having home advantage. The four winning quarter finalists will progress to the semi-final draw.[7] Matches will take place on the same weekends as the Heineken and Amlin Cups.
Pool stages
The fixture weekends have been announced.[18]
Pool 1
| Team | P | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TF | TA | TB | LB | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 171 | 70 | 101 | 22 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 27 |
|
6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 105 | 133 | -28 | 13 | 19 | 2 | 0 | 14 |
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6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 128 | 115 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 1 | 3 | 12 |
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6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 77 | 163 | -86 | 9 | 21 | 0 | 1 | 5 |
| Source : www.wru.co.uk Updated: 19 January 2014 Points breakdown: *4 points for a win *2 points for a draw *1 bonus point for a loss by seven points or less *1 bonus point for scoring four or more tries in a match | ||||||||||||
- This win secured Leinster's qualification to the knock out stages.[19]
Pool 2
| Team | P | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TF | TA | TB | LB | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 196 | 107 | 89 | 27 | 13 | 3 | 2 | 21 |
|
6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 183 | 120 | 63 | 21 | 13 | 3 | 2 | 21 |
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6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 201 | 119 | 82 | 24 | 11 | 2 | 2 | 20 |
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6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 55 | 289 | -234 | 7 | 42 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Source : www.wru.co.uk Updated: 19 January 2014 Points breakdown: *4 points for a win *2 points for a draw *1 bonus point for a loss by seven points or less *1 bonus point for scoring four or more tries in a match | ||||||||||||
Pool 3
| Team | P | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TF | TA | TB | LB | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 168 | 96 | 72 | 20 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 23 |
|
6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 185 | 110 | 75 | 23 | 12 | 2 | 4 | 14 |
|
6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 137 | 141 | -4 | 20 | 18 | 3 | 1 | 12 |
|
6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 85 | 228 | -143 | 8 | 32 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| Source : www.wru.co.uk Updated: 19 January 2014 Points breakdown: *4 points for a win *2 points for a draw *1 bonus point for a loss by seven points or less *1 bonus point for scoring four or more tries in a match | ||||||||||||
- Rotherham qualified for the knockout stages with this win as their nearest rivals, Llanelli, cannot overtake them.
Pool 4
| Team | P | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TF | TA | TB | LB | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 165 | 77 | 88 | 21 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 23 |
|
6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 147 | 70 | 77 | 20 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 23 |
|
6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 137 | 130 | 7 | 13 | 16 | 1 | 1 | 10 |
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6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 49 | 221 | -172 | 7 | 33 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Source : www.wru.co.uk Updated: 19 January 2014 Points breakdown: *4 points for a win *2 points for a draw *1 bonus point for a loss by seven points or less *1 bonus point for scoring four or more tries in a match | ||||||||||||
Pool 5
| Team | P | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TF | TA | TB | LB | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 269 | 77 | 192 | 40 | 11 | 4 | 1 | 25 |
|
6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 261 | 62 | 199 | 41 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 24 |
|
6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 72 | 281 | -209 | 8 | 42 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
|
6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 54 | 236 | -182 | 5 | 35 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Source : www.wru.co.uk Updated: 19 January 2014 Points breakdown: *4 points for a win *2 points for a draw *1 bonus point for a loss by seven points or less *1 bonus point for scoring four or more tries in a match | ||||||||||||
- This match was abandoned after 69 minutes when a large hole appeared in the pitch due to a collapsed drain.[21][22] Bristol were leading 20 – 24 at this point. The match was ordered to be replayed at Talbot Athletic Ground before the conclusion of the pool stages on a date suitable to both clubs.[23]
Pool 6
| Team | P | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TF | TA | TB | LB | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 193 | 95 | 98 | 25 | 9 | 4 | 1 | 25 |
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6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 147 | 175 | -28 | 18 | 22 | 1 | 0 | 13 |
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6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 117 | 128 | -11 | 14 | 16 | 2 | 2 | 12 |
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6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 123 | 182 | -59 | 15 | 25 | 1 | 1 | 10 |
| Source : www.wru.co.uk Updated: 19 January 2014 Points breakdown: *4 points for a win *2 points for a draw *1 bonus point for a loss by seven points or less *1 bonus point for scoring four or more tries in a match | ||||||||||||
- Cornish Pirates qualified for the knockout stages after this win.
Knock-out stages
Qualifiers
The six pool winners, and the two best runners-up, proceed to the knock out stages. The ranking criteria of the quarter finalists has been altered slightly from earlier seasons. Previously, the six pool winners were seeded 1-6 and the two runners up as 7 and 8. This meant that the best runners-up were automatically ranked 7 and 8 even if they had a better playing record than some of the teams ranked 1-6. This is no longer the case.[25]
There was a draw for the quarter-final stage, which took place on 27 January 2014. The top four seeds (Leinster A, Leeds Carnegie, Cornish Pirates and Bristol) will have home advantage.[26]
Teams are ranked by
- 1. Competition Points (4 for a win, 2 for a draw, etc.)
- 2. where Competition Points are equal, greatest number of wins
- 3. where the number of wins are equal, aggregate points difference
- 4. where the aggregate points difference are equal, greatest number of points scored
There are further criteria that can be applied if necessary.[25]
| Club | P | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TF | TA | TB | LB | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pool 1 winner | |
6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 171 | 70 | 101 | 22 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 27 |
| Pool 5 winner | |
6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 269 | 77 | 192 | 40 | 11 | 4 | 1 | 25 |
| Pool 6 winner | |
6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 193 | 95 | 98 | 25 | 9 | 4 | 1 | 25 |
| Pool 5 runner-up | |
6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 261 | 62 | 199 | 41 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 24 |
| Pool 4 winner | |
6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 165 | 77 | 88 | 21 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 23 |
| Pool 4 runner-up | |
6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 147 | 70 | 77 | 20 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 23 |
| Pool 3 winner | |
6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 168 | 96 | 72 | 20 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 23 |
| Pool 2 winner | |
6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 196 | 107 | 89 | 27 | 13 | 3 | 2 | 21 |
| Quarter-finals | Semi-finals | Final | ||||||||
| 5 April 2014 – Mennaye Field | ||||||||||
| | 14 | |||||||||
| 26 April 2014 - Sardis Road[n 1] | ||||||||||
| | 16 | |||||||||
| | 22 | |||||||||
| 4 April 2014 – Donnybrook | ||||||||||
| | 22 | |||||||||
| | 47 | |||||||||
| 23 May 2014 – Donnybrook | ||||||||||
| | 15 | |||||||||
| | 44 | |||||||||
| 4 April 2014 – Memorial Stadium | ||||||||||
| | 17 | |||||||||
| | 39 | |||||||||
| 4 May 2014 – Memorial Stadium | ||||||||||
| | 24 | |||||||||
| | 25 | |||||||||
| 4 April 2014 – Headingley Rugby Stadium | ||||||||||
| | 30 | |||||||||
| | 41 | |||||||||
| | 21 | |||||||||
- Leinster won on number of tries scored.[27]
Quarter-finals
The draw for the quarter-finals was carried out on 27 January 2014.[28]
Semi-finals
The draw for the semi-finals was carried out on 27 January 2014.[28]
- Leinster won on tries scored.[27]
Final
On 14 April, it was announced that the final will be played at the home of the winner of the Pontypridd / Leinster A semi-final. This will be played on Friday 23 May, at a time to be decided.[29]
Top scorers
Top points scorers
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Top try scorers
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Geography
- Notes
- Leeds will play two of their British and Irish Cup pool matches "on the road":[24]
- the match against Gala (Sunday 20 October) at York R.U.F.C.
- the match against Aberavon (Saturday 14 December) at Hull Ionians R.U.F.C.
- London Welsh remained at Kassam Stadium, Oxford after demotion from the Premiership at the end of the 2012–13 season.[30] They decided to play their British and Irish Cup pool match against London Scottish at Newbury's Monks Lane as an opportunity to build upon and extend our support base in the area.[31] They also played their match against Edinburgh Academicals (7 December) at their traditional Old Deer Park home.
- Munster A will play their British and Irish Cup pool matches in various venues around the province:[32]
- the match against Stirling County (Saturday 12 October) at Bandon RFC, County Cork
- the match against Plymouth Albion (Friday 13 December) at Waterford Regional Sports Centre, Waterford
- and the match against Nottingham (Friday 10 January) at St Mary's RFC, Limerick
- Ulster Ravens will play some of their British and Irish Cup pool matches at Deramore Park, home of Belfast Harlequins.[33][34]
Notes
- Jersey is listed in the English section because they play in the English RFU Championship.
References
- "British & Irish Cup Statistics Top Point Scorers". Rugby Round-Up. Archived from the original on 11 April 2013. Retrieved 4 May 2014.
- "British & Irish Cup Statistics Top Try Scorers". Rugby Round-Up. Archived from the original on 17 December 2013. Retrieved 4 May 2014.
- "NEWCASTLE 17 LEINSTER 18". Newcastle Falcons. 17 May 2013. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
- "Newcastle Falcons 17 v 18 Leinster 'A'". Leinster Rugby. 17 May 2013. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
- "Leinster 'A' 44 v 17 Leeds Carnegie". Leinster Rugby. 23 May 2014. Retrieved 24 May 2014.
- Daly, Phil (23 May 2014). "Leinster A 44 Leeds Carnegie 17". Leeds Carnegie. Archived from the original on 25 May 2014. Retrieved 24 May 2014.
- "Revamp for British & Irish Cup". Welsh Rugby Union. 29 April 2013. Archived from the original on 23 May 2013. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
- "British & Irish Cup 2013 / 14". Cardiff RFC. 1 July 2013. Archived from the original on 5 July 2013. Retrieved 1 July 2013.
- "British & Irish Cup". Llanelli RFC. 28 June 2013. Retrieved 1 July 2013.
- "Ponty host Cardiff in BIC eliminator on 7th September". Pontypridd RFC. 19 July 2013. Retrieved 19 July 2013.
- "B & I Cup qualifier". Llanelli RFC. 13 August 2013. Retrieved 18 August 2013.
- "2013/2014 British & Irish Cup Qualifier". Cross Keys RFC. Retrieved 19 July 2013.
- "2013/2014 British & Irish Cup Qualifier". Bedwas RFC. Retrieved 19 July 2013.
- "Rose' Reaction to Fixture Announcement". Bridgend Ravens. 30 July 2013. Retrieved 2 August 2013.
- "Fixtures & Results". Aberavon RFC. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
- "British and Irish Cup Qualifier". Carmarthen Quins RFC. 14 August 2013. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 18 August 2013.
- "New season comes into view". Llandovery RFC. 25 July 2013. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
- "Fixtures announced for British and Irish Cup". Welsh Rugby Union. 28 June 2013. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
- "Leinster 'A' 23 v 13 Moseley". Leinster Rugby. 10 January 2014. Retrieved 10 January 2014.
- Fallon, John (19 January 2014). "Buchan:Great for our youngsters". The Rugby Paper. p. 24.
- "Aberavon 20 - 24 Bristol Rugby". Aberavon RFC. 19 October 2013. Retrieved 28 October 2013.
- "MATCH DAY REPORT -Aberavon vs Bristol Rugby". Bristol. 19 October 2013. Retrieved 28 October 2013.
- "Aberavon-Bristol to be replayed after hole halted fixture". BBC. 25 October 2013. Retrieved 28 October 2013.
- "Leeds Carnegie set to return to York and Hull". Leeds Carnegie. 18 July 2013. Retrieved 24 July 2013.
- "Seeding Criteria For The Quarter-Finals Draw 2014". Cornish Pirates. Archived from the original on 16 January 2014. Retrieved 15 January 2014.
- "Pirates Sure Of Home Quarter Final Tie In Cup". Cornish Pirates. 18 January 2014. Archived from the original on 1 February 2014. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
- "Pontypridd 22 - 22 Leinster". BBC. Archived from the original on 29 April 2014. Retrieved 29 April 2014.
- "Pirates Get Ponty At Home". Cornish Pirates. 27 January 2014. Archived from the original on 27 January 2014. Retrieved 27 January 2014.
- "Winners of Pontypridd v Leinster A to host BIC Final". Pontypridd RFC. 14 April 2014. Archived from the original on 16 April 2014. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
- "London Welsh to stay at Kassam Stadium with Oxford Utd". BBC. 22 June 2013. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
- "London Welsh to stage B&I Cup clash at Newbury RFC". London Welsh. 29 August 2013. Retrieved 16 October 2013.
- "Munster 'A' Fixtures". Munster Rugby. Retrieved 16 October 2013.
- "Ulster Ravens v Ayr". Irish Rugby Football Union. Retrieved 16 October 2013.
- "Ulster Ravens v Cornish Pirates". Irish Rugby Football Union. Retrieved 16 October 2013.