Dolphin (10th) v Ballynahinch (5th), Irish Independent Park
Dolphin are staring at automatic relegation from Division 1A unless they can get a result here against Ballynahinch. The Corkmen have bravely resisted the drop with four wins in their last six outings, including the notable scalp of defending champions Clontarf last time out. Munster talent Rory Scannell is so vital to Dolphin's cause at out-half, not just as a points scorer but as a source of inspiration. Both he and his older brother, hooker Niall, scored tries against 'Tarf. However, Ballynahinch owe Dolphin one after a draw back in November and two defeats (25-18 and 13-0) prior to that. Derek Suffern's men are smarting from their Bateman Cup exit, and they have the firepower behind the scrum to open up Dolphin and keep alive their own play-off hopes.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE 1B
Shannon (7th) v Ballymena (4th), Coonagh, 2pm
Ballymena's promotion hopes were extinguished by their 17-5 loss to Garryowen earlier this month, so a top-four finish is now the sole aim for the Braidmen. Shannon eased the pressure on themselves in the bottom half of the Division 1B table with a 26-14 derby victory over UL Bohemians last time out, scoring four tries for only the second time this season. Shannon are now nine points clear of second-from-bottom Malone with two rounds to go. Ian Sherwin's side are set to avoid the drop and beating Ballymena would keep them on course for a strong finish to the season.
Belfast Harlequins (6th) v Galwegians (1st), Deramore Park
Galwegians return to Belfast for the second time in three weeks, determined to keep a grip of top spot in Division 1B and that coveted automatic promotion place. Last time around Matt Brown's men claimed a 31-5 win at Malone. They came alive in the closing quarter, but cannot afford to play in fits and starts against Belfast Harlequins who are currently one of the form teams in the division. Harlequins have pulled clear of the drop zone with three victories on the trot, playing some of their best rugby of the campaign, so toppling the league leaders would further boost them as they try to finish in the top half of the table.
Garryowen (2nd) v Malone (9th), Gibson Park
Malone's search for their first league win since early January continues. Jacques Benade's relegation-threatened charges face Limerick sides Garryowen and Shannon in their final two games. The Belfast club are capable of a big result on their day, but they have been disappointingly inconsistent since the turn of the year and it would be a real surprise if promotion-chasing Garryowen slip up here. The Light Blues are one win away from guaranteeing themselves a top-two finish and at the very least, a play-off against the second-from-bottom Division 1A team. Conan Doyle's men have the bit between their teeth and should grab an eighth straight victory.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE 2A
City of Derry (12th) v UCC (11th), Judge's Road
Nothing less than their Division 2A status is on the line for both clubs this weekend. Both need to make it into the top 10 to survive so this weekend will see one club still in the hunt and one heading for Division 2B. Hard to call.
Naas (9th) v Banbridge (4th), Forenaughts
One of the key games in the division this weekend. Banbridge still have an outside shot at promotion, albeit it would take a strange sequence of results. Naas are one of several clubs scrapping for their divisional status and their win over the previously unbeaten Old Wesley will have steeled them for the task in hand. A home win would not be a surprise after their last result.
Rainey Old Boys (13th) v Dungannon (14th), Hatrick Park
An Ulster derby is never one to take lightly but both sides know they will be in the newly restructured Division 2B next season. Both have struggled for form all season and will re-build over the summer months. Still the match won't lack for bite - it is an Ulster derby after all!
Skerries (3rd) v Queen’s University (7th), Holmpatrick
Skerries got badly and surprisingly turned over in their last outing, losing 31-5 to Nenagh Ormond. That result could cost them promotion as a win would have had them just 2 points behind 'Rock instead of six. Queen’s need to win on the road to make sure they are not sweating on results elsewhere come the final round of games. All told it is set up for a cracker in Holmpatrick.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE 2B
Ards (16th) v Sunday's Well (5th), Hamilton Park
Ards will drop out of the Ulster Bank League at the end of the season and look to rebuild in their provincial league. Sunday's Well will travel to Hamilton Park with Division 2B survival on their mind. A strange position given they are 5th but top 4 is what counts as the league structure changes. Are they strong enough to get a bonus point and leapfrog Armagh?
Armagh (4th) v Richmond (15th), Palace Grounds
A key game in deciding destinies in Division 2B this season. Armagh need to win to keep their top four and Division 2B status intact. Richmond need to win to avoid automatic relegation, albeit they would still face a playoff if they climb to 14th place. You'd have to back the home side to take the spoils.
ALL IRELAND LEAGUE ROUND ROBIN PLAYOFF
Instonians v Dundalk
Shaw’s Bridge will surely attract a large crowd this weekend for the visit of All Ireland Junior Cup winners and Leinster league winners Dundalk. Instonians coach Willy Leacock welcomes back Matthew Keane, Fergal Lynch, Robert Whitten, Rory McCurry, Robbie Martin and Matthew Kilpatrick for this important opening match. With Instonians also having home advantage against Munster winners Clonmel, they must use home advantage to win these games with an away fixture in Clifden against Connemara to come as well. The winners of the round robin face a playoff against the team finishing third bottom in Division 2B to secure a place in next season’s All Ireland League.
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 2
Coleraine (3th) v Holywood (9th)
Coleraine Director of Rugby Norman Blair is delighted with the progress the 1st XV playing squad has made this season after all the changes made at the club. The team are already building for next season with the coaches hoping to retain their existing players and strengthen their playing squad. Team spirit is good and the players are hoping to consolidate their third placing in the league with a convincing win over relegation threatened Holywood at Rugby Road on Saturday. Captain Stephen Dickey remains on the injured list but they welcome back their influential scrumhalf Bokkie Carstens. Due to one of the players getting married this weekend there is an opportunity for the coaches to look at new combinations. When these two sides met at Kerr Park two weeks ago Coleraine ran out narrow 0-3 winners.
Grosvenor (7th) v Enniskillen (5th)
Enniskillen Head Coach Norman Richmond is looking forward to this return fixture at Belmont with Grosvenor this weekend. After recording a 31-8 win at Mullaghmeen two weeks ago, the coach is again confronting his former Head Coach at Enniskillen, Alasdair McKee. After their 30-8 win at home to Randalstown last Saturday, Skins retain the same playing squad with Mark Hood and Stevie Fox starting in the front row and Davy Buchanan and Kaine Holden continuing in the second row. Jack Harte returns to the back row. The coach has been delighted with his attacking options orchestrated by outhalf Nick Finlay and supported by centres Alan Wilkinson and Nathan Richmond. He is excited by the threat posed by his three quarters of Ashley Finlay, Chris McVitty and Donagh O'Callaghan. With Grosvenor defeating UUC 26-10 at the weekend and retaining their Q2 status, spectators will be treated to plenty of running rugby by two talented and skilful teams.
Randalstown (6th) v Omagh (1st)
Nelisbrook will welcome an Omagh team needing four points to win the league. Gary Longwell and Alastair Strange have been delighted by the progress their Randalstown team has made this season. With two matches remaining to complete their season at home, Omagh will find the Randalstown team difficult opponents. They are on course to secure their highest league placing. When these two sides met at the Thomas Mellon playing fields in January Omagh ran out comfortable 42-6 winners. Coach Phil Marshall was pleased with the response of his players on Wednesday night after defeating UUC 84-0 following their surprising 15-12 defeat at home to Coleraine last Saturday. He has a full squad at his disposal. Randalstown are forced to bring in 2nd XV backs Chris Donnelly and Ryan McGarry, with the experienced Chris Allen restored to the back row. They know they are up against an Omagh team fighting for promotion. Carrick will be hoping Randalstown can do them a favour and ensure the league is not decided until the two sides meet in Omagh on 11th April.
UUC (10) v Academy (4)
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 3
Newry (4th) v Limavady (2nd)
Ophir (6th) v Lurgan (3rd)
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 4
Civil Service (4th) v Cavan (6th)
Letterkenny (2nd) v Monaghan (3rd)