Cork Constitution is a Rugby Union club, based in Cork, playing in Division 1A of the All-Ireland League. It was founded by staff of the Cork Constitution. Since the paper did not publish on Sundays, the staff were looking for activities to pursue on Saturday afternoons. In the summer, cricket was played, while in the winter, rugby was the designated activity. The team currently plays in Temple Hill, Ballintemple. Cork Con are the only club to win the AIL cup and the AIB cup in their inaugural years '91 & '06.
Due to the introduction of professional rugby union and its success at producing players who go on to obtain Munster contracts Con, like many other senior rugby clubs in Ireland, has been unable to field a full strength side for a number of years. In this period though Con has always been competitive, reaching the final of the All-Ireland League on six occasions since 2001 inclusive; losing in 2001 to Dungannon, losing in 2002 to Shannon, again losing in 2004 to Shannon and losing in 2007 to Garryowen, winning the elusive third title in 2008 on beating Garryowen in Musgrave Park and capturing a fourth title when beating St. Mary's by 17 points to 10 after extra time in Dubarry Park in May 2010.
This 2010 League victory led by Niall J. O'Brien completed an AIL double as Con had already won the AIL cup earlier in the season.
