Ballynahinch (8th) v Lansdowne (2nd), Ballymacarn Park
Second-placed Lansdowne are on course to finish the first block of league games with their fourth straight victory, but hosts Ballynahinch will provide a stiff test. Mike Ruddock's side squeezed past Clontarf in a defence-dominated clash last Saturday - a sign of their strength in depth was Ian Prendiville's solid performance in place of injured prop Peter Dooley. Last week's losing bonus point at Cork Constitution showed 'Hinch's battling qualities. They lost 21-14 to Lansdowne in last season's corresponding fixture, with back rower Charlie Butterworth - now a Ballynahinch and Ulster Ravens player - touching down for the Dubliners.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE DIVISION 1B
Belfast Harlequins (8th) v Garryowen (3rd), Deramore Park
Three wins out of four would be an encouraging return for new Garryowen head coach Conan Doyle heading into the early season break. Belfast Harlequins are a tough proposition at Deramore Park but despite their derby success at Malone, Adam Larkin admitted there is still 'a lot of work to be done'. Both sides survived nervy finishes last weekend, with Garryowen holding on for a 23-18 verdict against Corinthians. More composure will be required if they are to win their first league meeting with 'Quins since 2006.
UL Bohemians (4th) v Ballymena (2nd), Thomond Park back pitch
The season may be just four weeks' old, but already this looks like being a very important game for both UL Bohemians and Ballymena - two teams riding high in the top four at present. Bohs were three-point losers to leaders Galwegians last week and now host the second-placed team, although Ballymena will not be at full strength given their provincial call-ups in recent days. In a strange occurrence, all three of UL's league games so far have had three-point winning margins - they beat 'Quins and Trinity and a drop goal was the difference in the 'Wegians match.
Dublin University (9th) v Malone (6th), College Park, 3pm
A big moment for Dublin University as they play on their new College Park pitch for the first time, and an opportune home game to turn their fortunes around. Trinity have been unable to play at College Park since June 2013 but the newly-upgraded surface (sand carpet natural grass) should suit Trinity's promising back-line, led by half-backs Jack McDermott and Angus Lloyd. Malone will be out for revenge after losing twice to Trinity last season. Disappointed with last week's derby loss to Harlequins, head coach Jacques Benade insisted: "We have some very talented young players, this is their first season but I am a bit disappointed with the players who started with us last year - they seem to be struggling a bit."
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE DIVISION 2A
Banbridge (6th) v Thomond (5th), Rifle Park
The Bann coughed up a try-scoring bonus point to Queen's University last weekend but they secured a losing bonus in an exciting Ulster derby. Thomond also secured a losing bonus point under floodlights in a low scoring but nonetheless enthralling game at Nenagh Ormond. There is not much between these sides in the table at this point, so Saturday looks an interesting match-up.
City of Derry (14th) v Old Wesley (1st), Judge's Road
A tough opening run for City of Derry - two losses to date - continues with the visit of new table toppers Old Wesley. The home side have two losing bonus points to their name and will be fired up for this encounter at Judge's Road. Wesley have been notching up the points in their two opening games, including a 50-point demolition job on Dungannon. They would like to keep that ball rolling on Saturday.
Naas (4th) v Dungannon (16th), Forenaughts
A bright enough start for Naas - a good opening day win followed by a losing bonus point on the road - sets them up for the visit of Dungannon on Saturday.
The Ulster side, by contrast, have had a poor start and conceded nearly 70 points in their two opening games. On form you would have to back Naas and it looks tougher and tougher for Dungannon.
Rainey Old Boys (7th) v Queen's University (8th), Hatrick Park
Rainey Old Boys have a habit of making life hard for their fellow Ulster clubs. They already accounted for City of Derry on the opening day of the league. They followed that up with a losing bonus point on the road - always valuable. Queen's recovered from their loss to Thomond by winning at home to Banbridge. Can they do it for a second week on the trot in another Ulster derby?
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE DIVISION 2B
Boyne (15th) v Ards (16th), Shamrock Lodge
It is too early in the season to call it a relegation battle, especially since Ards' game against Bruff last weekend was postponed, but both sides could do with the confidence boost of a victory. Boyne have conceded 34 and 35 points respectively in their first two league outings and need to tighten up if they are to avoid problems. Ards took a 60-point beating on their opening day. Room for improvement for both sides.
Kanturk (8th) v Armagh (4th), Knocknacolan
Kanturk won their first home match of the league last weekend with a stirring success against Boyne. Armagh will make the ling trip south to Cork with two victories under their belts. It is sure to be a tough game but these two former junior clubs should serve up a tasty dish on Saturday afternoon.
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 1
Instonians v CIYMS
High flying Instonians will look to keep their undefeated record when they welcome undefeated CIYMS to Shawsbridge for the game of the day. Instonians coach William Leacock rested several players for the comfortable 7-24 Junior Cup win at Academy. The South Belfast club have made their intentions clear to return to Ulster Bank League rugby. International additions to their second in the form of South African Conor Brockschmidt and Italian Sebastiano Folla would reinforce their claims. CIYMS will enter this match with confidence after scoring seven tries in their 48 -13 demolition of Ballyclare at Belmont. The addition of Auckland outhalf Sam Barker to the squad has confirmed the ambitions of Gareth Fry and his coaching team to bring more league and Cup honours to the East Belfast club. Expect one of the biggest crowds at a Belfast club game in recent years.
Ballyclare v Cooke
Ballyclare have the opportunity to pick up maximum points against Cooke at the Cloughan to maintain their league ambitions. Gareth Byers moves into the 15 slot for the injured Robert Smith with Michael Kirk coming in on the wing. Cooke come into this match on the back of two wins over Donaghadee and City of Derry where they amassed over 100 points. Can coaches Colin Atkinson and Rowan Frost plot a win for the South Belfast club.
Bangor v Clogher Valley
Clogher Valley visit Bangor at Upritchard Park with a win crucial for the league ambitions of both clubs. Clogher slipped up at home to Portadown 19 - 18 and will want to push hard on the heels of Instonians. Injuries continue to unsettle the team with hooker Kyle Cobane being replaced by Nathan Orr. Prop Rodney Bennett by Richard Primrose. Alastair Trenier replaces Nathan Orr in the back row. Clive Donaldson returns from injury to take a place on the bench. Key forwards David Sharkey and Matty Robinson remain long term injuries. Bangor will be at full strength after a break of three weeks with no rugby. The seasiders will want to get their season back on track after a miserable league start.
Dromore v Ballymoney
Dromore recovered from their 60-5 defeat at Instonians to record a 45-3 win over Randalstown in the Junior Cup last weekend. They will welcome back their influential half back Lee Steenson for the visit of winless Ballymoney to Barben Hill. Coach Jason Taggart has much work to do to keep the County Antrim Club in Q1.
Portadown v Donaghadee
Donaghadee will hope to improve on their last visit down country when they lost 41-0 at Clogher Valley. Both fullback Billy Allen and centre Nigel Barker will be unavailable for selection. The trip to Portadown will not be easy for player coach Paul McKenzie and his players as the County Armagh side push to be contenders in the league race.
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 2
Omagh v Lisburn
Omagh will hope to continue their impressive run when they entertain Lisburn at Mellon Park. As Ballymoney discovered last weekend any visiting teams to this venue will encounter a well organised and talent squad that has been assembled by Phil Marshall and his coaching team. With the playing resources at his disposal the coaches have been able to rotate and rest players. Flanker Richard Harpur is unavailable this weekend and is replaced by Dean Porter at 7 with the outstanding Andrew Ferguson returning at 8. Richard Smith fills the 6 slot. A late decision will be made on the fitness of scrum half Stuart McCain with Lloyd Kane on the bench. Lisburn coach Mark Crothers retains the team that played impressively in their 14-35 home defeat to Junior Cup holders Ballynahinch 2nds last weekend. His squad has been decimated with twelve injured players - four of whom are suffering from fractured bones.
Coleraine v Academy
Coleraine have suffered two narrow defeats in recent weeks against Carrickfergus and Ballymena 2nds will look for a morale boosting win over Academy to put their season back on track. Indiscipline cost them dearly last week when they entered injury time with a five point lead to only concede a late converted try to lose 19 - 17 to Ballymena 2nds. Promotion is the goal for the North Coast side this season in this competitive league.
Grosvenor v Carrickfergus
Grosvenor will look to bounce back from their opening 40-0 defeat at Omagh. Their task will not be made any easier by a resurgent Carrickfergus team who won 9-6 at Coleraine. The County Antrim side will want to make it three away wins in a row to back up their Junoior Cup success at Ards. Coaches Warren McClean, Jonny Cullen and Neil Hanna have played a key role in developing this talented playing squad. Grosvenor coach Alasdair McKee will know how competitive this league is from his time at Enniskillen.
UUC v Holywood
North Down team Holywood make a trip to the North coast to play UUC in what is potentially being called a relegation decider this early in the season. Both teams have yet to win any league or Cup fixtures. The students suffering a thumping 59-0 defeat at Banbridge 2nds in the Junior Cup. Their opponents this weekend did not fair any better losing 50-5 at Donaghadee.
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 3
Larne v Limavady
Strabane v PSNI
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 4
Cavan v BHSFP
Civil Service v Virginia
Monaghan v Londonderry YMCA