Saint Patrick's Day Test facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Saint Patrick's Day Rugby League Test match

Sport	Rugby league
Instituted	1995
Number of teams	2
Region	International (RLIF)
Most titles	United States (5 titles)
Related competition	Colonial Cup

The Saint Patrick's Day Test, also known as the Donnybrook Cup, was a special international rugby league football match. It was played between the United States and Ireland. This game usually happened around March 17th. This date was chosen to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day.

There were eight matches in total. The United States team won five of these games. Ireland won three times. For the first two matches, Ireland played with their main national team. They won both of those early games. Later, in 2020, those first two games were officially recognized as full international matches. This was because the teams Ireland used were very similar to their senior national squad. In 2021, the USARL and RLI talked about bringing this exciting game back in 2023.

Exploring the Saint Patrick's Day Rugby League Test

The Saint Patrick's Day Test was a unique event in the world of rugby league. It brought together two nations, the United States and Ireland, for a friendly but competitive match. Rugby league is a team sport played with an oval-shaped ball. Players try to score points by carrying the ball over the opponent's try line or by kicking it through goalposts.

This special game was founded in 1995. It was a way to celebrate the Irish holiday of Saint Patrick's Day through sport. The match was often held in the United States. It was a chance for fans to see international rugby league action.

Why Was it Called the Donnybrook Cup?

The game was also known as the Donnybrook Cup. A "donnybrook" is an old word for a noisy, lively fight or argument. In this case, it meant a spirited and exciting competition on the rugby field. It showed how intense and fun the matches between the USA and Ireland could be.

Who Played in the Test Matches?

The main teams were the national rugby league teams from the United States and Ireland. Sometimes, Ireland would send their "A" team. This "A" team is like a second-tier national squad. It includes players who are developing their skills or are just below the main national team level. Even with the "A" team, the games were always competitive and exciting for fans.

Match History and Results

Over the years, eight Saint Patrick's Day Test matches were played. The United States team had a better record overall. They won five of the eight games. Ireland won the other three. The games were often very close, showing the skill of both teams.

Key Matches and Venues

The first two matches in 1995 and 1996 were played at RFK Stadium in Washington D.C. These were important games because Ireland played with their full national team and won both. Later matches were held at different venues, including Memorial Stadium in Savannah, Georgia, and stadiums in Philadelphia.

Here is a list of all the matches played:

Date	Home Team	Score	Away Team	Venue	Attendance
16 March 1995	United States	22–24	Ireland	RFK Stadium, Washington D.C.
16 March 1996	United States	12–14	Ireland	RFK Stadium, Washington D.C.
18 March 2000	United States	19–6	Ireland A
16 March 2002	United States	24–22	Ireland A
15 March 2003	United States	20–16	Ireland A
24 March 2004	United States	41–10	Ireland A	Memorial Stadium, Savannah, Georgia
22 March 2011	United States	8–26	Ireland A	Garthwaite Stadium, Philadelphia	1,000
18 March 2012	United States	38–20	Ireland A	Widener University, Philadelphia	c. 2000

The Future of the Saint Patrick's Day Test

The last Saint Patrick's Day Test was played in 2012. However, there have been talks about bringing the game back. Both the USA Rugby League (USARL) and Rugby League Ireland (RLI) have discussed restarting this tradition. If it returns, it would be a great way to continue the friendly rivalry and celebrate rugby league on Saint Patrick's Day once again.