Senior Rugby Preview

The All Ireland League resumes this weekend after the Christmas break.

Proceedings get underway on Friday evening as Young Munster host Garryowen in a Limerick derby in Division 1A, with both sides currently in mid-table. Garryowen ran out 6-3 winners when these sides met at Dooradoyle in November.

Dolphin, who are propping up the table in Division 1B, will have their work cut out as they take on fourth-placed UCC at Irish Independent Park. The students recorded a narrow 20-19 victory when these sides met at the Mardyke, while Dolphin’s only win of the campaign to date was against Ballymena at Eaton Park in October.

There is a local derby in the Premier County in Division 2A as Nenagh Ormond and Cashel lock horns at New Ormond Park. The home side, who are third, will be expected to avenge November’s 10-6 defeat at the Spafield and continue their quest for promotion, while Cashel are sixth.

Unbeaten Division 2B leaders Old Crescent should prove too strong for Sunday’s Well, who are hovering above the drop zone, at Rosbrien. The Limerick side ran out 29-21 winners when these sides met at Irish Independent Park.

On Saturday, defending champions Cork Constitution, who are third, welcome bottom side Buccaneers to Temple Hill. The Lilywhites recorded a 24-19 victory when these sides met in Athlone and they will be looking to make the most of home advantage count in a bid to claim all points on offer.

In Division 1B, Shannon, who regained pole position following their comprehensive 49-19 victory over Ballynahinch at Thomond Park last time out, welcome Naas to the same venue. The Limerick side will be looking to avenge November’s 21-18 away defeat.

UL Bohemian, who are second from bottom, travel to the capital to take on Old Wesley by whom they were defeated 13-7 at the UL Arena in November.

Highfield, who are second in Division 2A, will be looking to make it two wins out of two over City of Armagh as they welcome the Ulster side who are fourth to Woodleigh Park.

In Division 2C, Midleton travel to County Dublin to take on last season’s Leinster League champions Malahide. Midleton’s last win was against Malahide at Towns Park and in the meantime they have lost at home and away against Bruff and drawn 20-20 with fellow strugglers Tullamore in East Cork.