Weekend Preview

SENIOR PREVIEW The Men’s and Women’s All-Ireland Leagues get underway across a busy weekend. In Division 1A of the Men’s All-Ireland League, Nenagh Ormond, who are the first side from the Premier County to play in the top flight of Irish rugby, welcome Old Belvedere to North Tipperary. Cork Constitution, who were narrowly defeated 22-21 by Clontarf in last season’s decider, travel to the Capital, to take on Lansdowne at the Aviva Stadium. Young Munster also begin their campaign on the road, as they travel to County Down to take on Ballynahinch. Garryowen, who propped up the top flight for most of last season, welcome UCC to Dooradoyle, as they begin their Division 1B campaign. The Sky Blues are looking to make a quick return to Division 1A. The Leeside Students were narrowly defeated 36-33 by Nenagh Ormond in the Division 1A Promotion Play-off final in North Tipperary. Highfield, who finished last season above the drop zone, welcome Queen’s University, who finished in mid-table, to Woodleigh Park. In Division 2A, Shannon, who have been relegated for the second successive year, welcome Cashel to Thomond Park. Cashel were narrowly defeated 18-16 by Dublin University, who also avoided a second successive relegation, in the Capital. Old Crescent, who finished last season in seventh place, welcome Ballymena, who finished three points clear of the drop zone, to Takumi Park. UL Bohemian, who finished in sixth in Division 2B, travel to County Meath, to take on Navan. Navan were defeated 28-23 by Dungannon in last season’s promotion play-off decider in the Royal County. In Division 2C, last season’s Munster and Leinster Junior Champions go head to head at Liam Fitzgerald Park, as Thomond entertain Bective Rangers. Thomond mark their return to the AIL after a six-year absence, while this game marks the end of a seven-year absence for the Dublin side. Midleton, who were defeated by Skerries in last season’s promotion play-off decider by Skerries in North County Dublin, are at home to Bruff. The County Limerick side finished last season five points clear of the drop zone. Dolphin, who were defeated 19-18 by Midleton in last season’s promotion play-off semi final, make the long trip north to take on Belfast Harlequins at Deramore Park. Clonmel welcome Ballyclare to South Tipperary. Women’s AIL Champions of the last two season’s UL Bohemian, begin their bid for a third successive title against Blackrock College in Dublin. Ballincollig welcome Galwegians to Tanner Park. Ennis mark their debut in the Women’s AIL with a tie against Tullow at the County Carlow venue.

JUNIOR PREVIEW

Locally, there is action in Divisions 1 and 2 of the Men’s Munster Junior League and Division 1 of the Women’s Munster League also gets underway. Old Christians and Clonakilty get the show on the road in Division 1 of the Men’s Munster League at Rathcooney. Old Christians are newly-promoted as Division 2 champions, while the West Cork side preserved their top-flight status with Thomond qualifying for the All-Ireland League. In Division 2, Crosshaven, who were relegated from Division 1 last season, begin their campaign against Castleisland at the Kerry venue. On Sunday in Division 1, last season’s runners-up Kilfeacle make the relatively short trip to Limerick to take on 2023 champions Richmond at Canal Bank. Bandon, who finished third are away to Skibbereen in a West Cork derby at the Carbery Showgrounds. St Mary’s go head to head with Muskerry at Grove Island. Mallow, who were runners-up in 2024, entertain 2022 champions Newcastle West, who finished above the relegation places, to North Cork. Sunday’s Well face a tricky task as they open their campaign against Clanwilliam at Virgin Media Park. The Tipperary Town side were promoted as last season’s runners-up in Division 2. They also finished last season with two pieces of silverware, namely the Munster Junior Plate and the Garryowen Cup. Elsewhere, Kanturk entertain Thurles at the Duhallow venue. Kinsale begin their campaign in Division 2 on Sunday with a home tie against Cobh Pirates. Ballincollig, who finished last season in fourth-place, welcome Ennis to Tanner Park. Division 3 champions Carrick-on-Suir begin their campaign with a home tie against St Senan’s. Waterpark entertain Fermoy on Suirside and Fethard host newly-promoted Youghal in South Tipperary. Abbeyfeale, who finished one point clear of the relegation places, host Charleville at the West Limerick venue. In the opening series of games in Division 1 of the Munster Women’s League, Bruff welcome Tralee to the County Limerick venue. Dolphin host Roaring Water Bay at Virgin Media Park and Shannon-TUS entertain Clonakilty at Coonagh.