This weekend sees the opening round of the Ulster Bank All Ireland League, as well as action in the Kukri Ulster Rugby Championship.
This season we have 11 Ulster teams competing with Bangor returning to the AIL after an absence of 14 years. Last season promised much for several Ulster teams including Ballymena, Banbridge, Malone and City of Derry who topped their league tables before slipping back in the latter part of the season. Clubs including Ballynahinch, Belfast Harlequins and Rainey OB were all relegated from their leagues.
In the Kukri Ulster Championship Div 1 the top game will see title favourites Instonians hosting another contender Omagh in the game of the day at Shaws bridge. A win is crucial for the County Tyrone sides title ambitions.
In Div 2 Coleraine and CIYMS would appear to be the favourites for the top two places after early season results. Can teams including Randalstown and Larne challenge them.
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE
Division 1A
Terenure College v Dublin Uni. (16.9.16, kick off 7.30pm)
Garryowen v Lansdowne
St Mary's College v Cork Constitution
UCD v Clontarf
Young Munster v Old Belvedere
Division 1B
Ballynahinch v Buccaneers
Dolphin v UL Bohemians
Naas v Galwegians
Shannon v Ballymena
UCC v Old Wesley
Ballynahinch v Buccaneers
What was most impressive last weekend was Ballynahinch's 1st, 2nds and 3rds winning games against Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Bangor seconds with only Conor Joyce released by Ulster rugby. For the opening AIL match with Buccaneers at Ballymacarn Park coaches Derek Suffern and Chris Parker will add several Ulster players to their squad including Sam Windsor, Jonny McPhillips, Conor Joyce, Lorcan Dow, John Donnan and Craig Trenier along with Aaron Cairns who has been training and playing with the Ulster Academy/Development squad in pre season.
Injury rules out fellow Ulster players Mo Simpson, Jonny Murphy and David Busby. The playing 20 for Sat will be selected from 1 - 20 Gerry Cronin/Jonny Blair, Joe Roe, Craig Trenier/Stuart Orr, John Donnan, James Simpson, Lorcan Dow, Conor Joyce, Mike Graham (Captain), Aaron Cairns/ Chris Gibson, Jonny McPhillips, Davy Nicholson, Sam Windsor, Jordan Gratton, Chris Quinn and Stevie McCauley. Ulster scrum half Angus Lloyd may play on Sat depending on his game time for Ulster v Scarlets on Friday night. Other players added to the squad will include Andy Harper, Conor Phillips and Ross Carlisle. Hinch Director of Rugby Ronnie Duncan has been delighted by the performances of Ross Carlisle and Conor Phillips for the 1st xv in their pre season games. Carlisle is another product from Down High School who has excelled at out half and is expected to push for a starting place on the 1st xv.
Former second row Kenny Morton has resumed training and is expected to make himself avaialble for selection. A welcome addition to the 1st xv squad. Injury continues to rule out Richard Reaney, Blane McIIroy and Will Stewart with Stuart Morrow unavailable. Both David McGuigan and Josh Donaldson have under gone knee surgery and are not expected to play this season.
The goal for the Ballymacarn Park side is promotion back to Div 1A this season. Opponents Buccaneers have shown some early season form by winning the Connacht Senior league with wins over Galwegians, Galway Corinthians and Sligo. For the Ballynahinch coaches and players it is all about getting their season off to a winning start.
Ballymena v Shannon
Any visit to the home of Shannon rugby club in Limerick for your opening AIL match is a daunting fixture. For the trip South this weekend Ballymena Head coach Andy Graham is delighted by the release of Ulster players Michael Lagan, Adam McBurney, Kieran Treadwell, Connor Smyth, Stephen Mulholland, Matthew Rea and Mark Best. In recent seasons Connor Smyth, Matthew Rea and Stephen Mulholland have come through the playing ranks of Ballymena rugby club to earn playing contracts with Ulster rugby. What this demonstrates is that players who don't come through the under age pathway can use the club game to earn a professional rugby contract. Injury rules out Ulster players Ricky Lutton, Dave Shanahan and Conall Boomer.
Ballymena squad 1 - 20 Michael Lagan, Adam McBurney, Chris Cundell, Kieran Treadwell, David Whann, Connor Smyth, Stephen Mulholland, Matthew Rea, John Creighton, Glen Baillie, Jonny Rossborough, Mark Best, Paddy James, Jordan Foster, Rodger McBurney, Andrew Ferguson, James Taggart, James Gallagher, Tony McGuinness and Richie McMaster.
Injury rules out James Beattie, Josh McIIroy and Matthew Norris with Marty Irwin, Aidy Kirkpatrick and Chris Allen unavailable.
The Head coach has been pleased with the performances of young players Ryan Mathieson, Joe Thompson and Cory Millar in their pre season games. They are very much the future of Ballymena 1st xv. Mark Foster was unlucky to miss out on selection for the trip to Limerick this weekend.
Division 2A
Banbridge v Sunday's Well
Belfast Harlequins v Nenagh Ormond
Blackrock College v Galway Corinthians
Cashel RFC v Malone
Highfield v Queens Uni
Banbridge v Sunday's Well
Head coach Daniel Soper is pleased with how his Banbridge squad have performed in pre season. The players know they have to step up to another level for the visit of the Cork side to Rifle Park on Sat.
What is particularly pleasing for the coach is the new group of local young players pushing for inclusion in the 1st xv this season. The win by the seconds over Academy last Sat in the Junior Cup has lifted everybody in the club with the coach hoping that some of that will rub off on the 1st xv.
Banbridge are developing a style of play which the players enjoy and the supporters enjoy watching. He is hoping this style will bring success for the 1st xv this season.
The coach is aware that Div 2A is a tough league with Banbridge losing out on promotion through the playoffs last season. Home form has been excellent and a target for the team is to improve their away form on the road. There is no doubt that every team can beat anyone on their day, so off days are not an option.
15 of the 20 players starting this weekend were part of the last AIL league game last season enabling good continuity in the squad. The coach welcomes back Ian Porter and Michael Cromie after their time in the professional game. Ulster Academy starlet Andrew Magrath makes his debut for Banbridge side at out half along with Kiwi Simon Lloyd. Both the coaches and players can't wait to get their AIL season started.
Belfast Harlequins v Nenagh Ormond
Quins face a few late selection decisions. Rory Blake Knox who scored 21 points against Queens Uni last weekend is unavailable for the opening AIL game. Head coach Andrew Gillespie welcomes back Ben Sloan, Ken Mckenzie, Ian Anderson and Jonathan Siri. Ulster Academy prop Peter Cooper has been released by Ulster. Selection has been pretty consistent to try and build confidence in the pre season games after wins over City of Derry and Queens Uni. Assistant coach Keith Pyper has been impressed by the freshness some of the new players have added to the squad with former Campbell College scrum half Malcolm Corry showing a maturity on the pitch for someone just out of school.
The coaches are aware that opponents Nenagh will be coming up very confident after their win over Garryowen in the Munster Senior Cup last weekend. They possess a strong pack that will test the Quins forwards. Quins are focused on their own performance and they know if they get it correct they can win their opening match. The Quins players have had a good pre season , along with two positive wins. Hopefully the players can carry that into Saturday and get the new AIL season off to a good start.
Malone v Cashel
This is a daunting opening fixture for the Gibson Park side as they make the long trek to Tipperary this weekend. Head coach Paddy Armstrong knows Cashel will be tough. They are a well coached side and will present a big challenge for his Malone players. He has been pleased with the teams pre season through a lot of hard work by the players. He can't fault the players efforts or attitude with the coach facing a number of tight calls in selection this week.
Josh Pentland is available after taking a knock last weekend at Bangor with Dave Cave, Lee Barlow and Andy Bryans starting on Sat. Shane Kelly returns at scrum half and will be joined by Conor Spence and Cory Tipping who take their place on the bench.
Malone team 1 - 20. Lee Barlow, Dave Cave, Dane Fitzpatrick, Michael Shiels, James McAllister, Ben McDonnell, Neil Alcorn, Philip Lucas, Shane Kelly, Nathan Brown, Michael Cartmill, Josh Pentland, Mark McCrea, Rory Campbell, Andy Bryan's, Dan Kerr, Richard Greenwood, Cory Tipping, Connor Spence, Mark O'Connor.
Queens Uni v Highfield
The students face a long trip to newly promoted Highfield in Cork for a difficult opening AIL fixture. Head coach Bob Young will be looking to his four Ulster players Alex Thompson, Zack McCall, Nick Timoney and Marcus Rea to boost his forward options.
Highfield is a difficult place to travel to. The coach and his players know they will have to confront the physicality of the Cork side and will be looking to repeat their opening day win at Galway Corinthians last season. The ambitions for the students this season are to finish in the top four. They are also aware how competitive Division 2A will be this season.
Division 2B
Bective Rangers v Armagh
City of Derry v Skerries
Dungannon v MU Barnhall
Old Crescent v Greystones
Wanderers v Thomond
Armagh v Bective Rangers
Head coach Alex McCloy is pleased with the way pre season has went for his Armagh players in the Ulster league and Cup games. Having missed out on a top four finish last season the coaches introduced a Gym programme back in May for the players that has transformed their physicality in their opening games. The attitude of the coaches is to take it one game at a time in the AIL this season. If the squad are going to be successful, consistency in performance will be the key.
Armagh have improved the depth in their squad most notably in the back row and the back three which will be important. New signings Ali Birch (Captain), Ollie Millar and Eoin Baxter will be making their AIL debuts for Armagh this weekend.
City of Derry v Skerries
It has been a difficult pre season for new City of Derry coaches Richard McCarter and Stephen Douglas with the team suffering league and Cup defeats against Ballymena, Belfast Harlequins and Banbridge. For a team that narrowly missed out on promotion last season the club has had to deal with Head coach Terry McMaster stepping down and several key players leaving the North West to pursue new employment opportunities. The opening AIL game on Sat will be crucial to build momentum for the new season.
Dungannon v MU Barnhall
Head coach Andy Hughes has introduced a new playing strategy into his 1st xv during their SONI Ulster league games against Ballynahinch and Armagh. The objective was to keep the ball in play as much as possible with a no fear attitude as the coach wanted the players to push themselves from a fitness level while working on their skills.
As much as the players came away with a lot of positives from it , it did lead to our error count being a lot higher than we would like.
To concede the points we did in those two games was obviously concerning but the players know it was down to their mistakes. If the team can manage to cut out the silly mistakes the coach is confident the players can compete in this league.
Both the coaches and players are looking forward to their opening AIL game at Stevenson Park. They know MU Barnhall will be difficult opponents as they finished last season strongly. He is confident that if his players can shore up the lapses in concentration in defence they can come away with a positive result this weekend.
New addition to the squad Tianua Poto starts at 10 on Sat. The coach is hoping Steven Sinnamon will return from injury to take his place on the bench. Number 8 Peter Doran faces a late fitness test.
Division 2C
Bangor v Rainey OB
Boyne v Bruff
Midleton v Kanturk
Seapoint v Tullamore
Sligo v Navan RFC
Bangor v Rainey OB
Ricky Armstrong 1st xv manager at Bangor describes it as a being a long time coming for the return of Bangor to the All Ireland League. He actually played in Bangor's last game in the AIL 14 years ago when they lost a relegation playoff to Richmond 16 - 6. It has been a long time in the wilderness for the club with a lot of good players having come and gone, but with all the top individuals we went through we just never had the right blend of talent and sheer bloody mindedness and work rate that this team now has.
Five years ago when Bangor were playing in Qualifying Two Rupert Preston came in as Head coach with Jason Morgan as his assistant with people like Danny Curran, Jonny Watson and Bill Hinchens getting involved and beavering away in sorting out the clubs finances whilst steps were taken to assemble a squad of young players. These players trained hard and bought into the new ethos the club was creating. Key signings like Chris Morgan and Curtis Stewart from Instonians along with Jamie Clegg and Andrew Jackson returning from University became key members of the 1st xv. It all started to gather momentum from those first few years in Q 2 which the team won by getting a few old heads into the playing squad including Chris Schofield, Darren Lyttle, Nicky Hatton, Paddy Dornan, Douglas Gordon, Stephen Addey and Ricky Armstrong. Once the team gained promotion into Q 1 Danny Curran was able to persuade players from the Bangor area to play for Bangor including Mark Widdowson, Desi Fusco, Philip Whyte, Craig Burton, Orran McIImurray, James Henley. (All players who lived in Bangor and played for other clubs). With the return of David Bradford the momentum just kept building and building. Bangor now have a club the players, officials and supporters are very proud off.
The reason last season we won so many games was because no one player was doing it for themselves. It was for each other.
The goal for Bangor is to keep it going week in week out against stronger opposition this season. The team spirit is there along with the hunger to be successful. Additional signings over the summer has kept the momentum up with good numbers at training each week. Only time will tell whether Bangor have the players to compete in the AIL. Everybody is looking forward to the opening game against Rainey on Sat.
The team received a wake up call against Malone last weekend. They were so clinical in the first half that the statistics suggested poor ball retention by Bangor was their downfall. Ricky Armstrong has been delighted with the response of the players at training this week. The players now know the level they need to be at now. Lack of game time hasn't helped pre season preparations. The Malone team looked like they had played two more games than us.
Other than Alastair Lockhart who took a knock to the head and Andrew Jackson who is on holiday , Bangor will have a full squad to select from for the visit of Rainey.
Rainey Head coach John Andrew's has been delighted with his squads pre season preparations. The addition of quality players including George Fritz from Western province, Andrew Harbinson, Chris Ladlier from Hartpury College and former Ulster player Ricky Andrew's has added strength and experience to their playing squad. The coach is confident his playing squad can challenge for promotion this season. He is under on illusions about the challenge Bangor will provide for his players. They are expecting Bangor to be well organised and looking forward to being back in Senior rugby.
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 1
Ards v Dromore
Clogher Valley v Cooke
Instonians v Omagh
Portadown v Carrickfergus
Ards v Dromore
Two heavy defeats at home against Instonians and Coleraine have put pressure on Ards Head coach Dave Irwin . With another home game against Dromore at Hamilton Park this weekend the team know they need to start picking up league points. Last season Ards required a relegation playoff win over Enniskillen to keep their place in Div 1.
The Ards Head coach felt his team put in much improved performance in their 41 - 10 Junior Cup defeat against Coleraine last weekend after losing their opening league game 59 - 0 at home to Instonians. Ards had come up against a very strong and experienced Coleraine side who have strengthened their squad as they push for promotion back to Div 1.
For the match with Dromore the coach has a number of regulars unavailable due to other commitments this weekend. He welcomes back Club Captain Mark Bamford with the goal for his players to continue their improvement against a quality Dromore side that is expected to play a very direct game.
Dromore Head coach Jonny Cullen along with his assistants Mike Harshaw, Jamie Kirk and Roger Irwin are hoping the form of his team in recording two convincing wins over Ballymena and Belfast Harlequins seconds can be transfered into their league form after losing their opening league game at Portadown. The coach has a couple of late fitness tests before deciding on his starting team.
Clogher Valley v Cooke
This is a crucial league game for both sides with Clogher losing both their opening league games against Enniskillen and Carrickfergus. In their last visit to County Tyrone Cooke were beaten 41 - 0 at Omagh in their opening league game. For Clogher coaches Glen Kyle and Davy Black and Cooke coaches Colin Atkinson and Philip Cartmill they know how important it is to pick up league points early in the season.
Clogher squad 1 - 17 Philip Hopper, Jonny Foster, Michael Treanor, Eugene McKenna, Mark McKenna, Ian Mulligan, Allister Trenier, Ryan Wilson, Mark Ellis, Neil Trotter, Clive Donaldson, PC Faulkner, Philip Wilson, Andrew Breen, Josh Coulter, Philip Moore and Fleming Agnew.
Injury rules out Captain Kyle Cobane and Philip Holme with Ulster Junior David Sharkey targetting October for a return.
Instonians v Omagh
Big game at Shaws bridge this weekend for both teams. Instonians opened their league campaign witha narrow 17 - 5 win over Ballyclare. Ballyclare followed up with a 23 - 15 win over Omagh after they won their home game with Cooke 41 - 0. These three teams are the main contenders for the league title this season with Omagh needing to win this weekend, otherwise Instonians will be clear favourites for the Div 1 title. A lot at stake for both sides in this meeting.
Instonians Director of Rugby William Leacock is aware Omagh are an extremely tough team to play against. They are a physical side and play a nice brand of rugby with several very good players in their team. His players are looking forward to another close encounter and do not underestimate the challenge they present. Omagh have been building a very good club over the last number of years and Instonians look forward to welcoming them to Shaws bridge on Saturday.
Team selection has been tough with a number of players putting their hand up for selection. Young players including T J Morris, Harry Gallagher, Blair Robinson and Andrew keane have all come into the team and been very impressive so far this season. Captain Robert Whitten is an influential player and has been playing well along with senior players Josh Cregan and Conor Gallagher.
Omagh head coach Philip Marshall is well aware of the tough test that faces his players at Shaws bridge this weekend. He is also aware that it will tell him where his team and players are at compared to opponents Instonians. Unfortunately injuries continue to impact on player availability and selection with his entire front row ruled out through injury. He is hoping Captain Kyle Alexander can make the bench. Number 8 Mervyn Edgar has been ruled out with a rib injury along with centre Adam Stephenson. His centre partner Alan Heaney will face a late fitness test.
The coach is ever the optimist with squad players getting the opportunity to impress. He still feels his team are strong but Inst will be the acid test for his players as he looks forward to the trip.
Portadown v Carrickfergus
Head coach Richard Hedley is aware how important it is for his Portadown side to win their home games and build momentum. They opened up with a 25 - 7 win over Dromore before losing 25 - 13 at newly promoted Enniskillen.
Carrick have played one league game in defeating Clogher Valley 17 - 15 at home before losing 18 - 17 at home to Hinch seconds in the Junior Cup last Sat.
Portadown will be without the unavailable Gareth McCoy and Johnny Holden with Michael Orr and Lee Bickers added to the squad. Both Dairmuid O'Kane and Rodney Blair return after missing the match at Enniskillen.
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP/CONFERENCE DIV 1
Ballymena seconds v Enniskillen
Ballynahinch seconds v Ballyclare
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 2
Coleraine v Donaghadee
Larne v Lisburn
Limavady v UUC
Randalstown v Grosvenor
Coleraine v Donaghadee
Head coach Richard Boyd is pleased with the start his Coleraine squad have made to their season. It is important the players and coaches keep working hard and remain focused. Numbers at training have been really positive and there is a healthy competition building between the firsts and seconds. The new faces at the club have made a big impact and he is delighted with the team spirit that is growing amongst the players. The coach is pleased with work Greg Jordan is doing with the second xv. They have impressed in winning the George Tees Cup and recorded wins over CIYMS and Ards.
His squad are looking forward to the fixture against Donaghadee at the weekend. They are expecting Donaghadee to be very physical and committed to turning their season around. His team will have to be focused and clinical this weekend. Altough the team has had some big wins in recent weeks they have work to do in certain areas over the next few weeks.
In the pack Stuart Evans and DD McAllister come into the squad for John Rankin and the unavailable Rodger Bonnar. The club are delighted to see Adam Parke return to 1st xv action after a year on the sidelines to replace Kyle McAuley who is also unavailable. Both Alan Clarke and Rory Strang have rehabbed well and will also come into contention for a place in the squad this weekend.
Talking to Stuart Thompson the Donaghadee PRO this week has given the club the opportunity to outline its future plans. New Head coach Mark Henderson has been an excellent addition to the club coaching staff. He has started the process of building a new team around those players who want to play for the club. Recent additions include James McGucken, Adam Baird, Kenny McCombe and Kyle Adams who have strengthened the playing squad. The club recognise they have a small playing squad who are totally committed to catching up on their fitness levels.
The 1st xv have been competitive in their last two games with fitness levels their un doing in the second half. The 51 - 0 defeat at Randalstown last Sat in the Cup was disappointing as two serious injuries to Sam Ingham and Adam Baird affected the teams performance.
The 1st xv have lost some prominent senior players who have had to retire or take a step back over the summer. They are no longer able to commit to regular training or playing. Several players have moved to neighbouring clubs Ards and Bangor. Recruitment of young players has proved difficult for the club. The difficulty for the club is that there is no local school in the area to draw players from.
The focus for the Dee rugby club is to build from the bottom up. The clubs CCRO Guy McManus was the most successful CCRO at the Ulster Branch last season, increasing playing levels at Mini and Youth level by a staggering 183%. The Dee under 12's boys will be playing at half time at the Kingspan stadium on Friday night. The clubs under 12 girls team played at half time during the recent friendly against Northampton at the Kingspan stadium. The club is delighted to announce that an under 14 boys team will be competing in a regional league for the first time this season.
The aim for the 1st xv is to build a team that can be competitive in Div 2 this season. We wish all the players, coaches and officials well in their efforts for the remainder of the season.
Larne v Lisburn
When Larne were promoted last season they raised a few eye brows when they topped Qualifying Two before Xmas as they ended their season mid table. New Head coach Lawrence Kelly and his coaching team have once again raised expectations of what this team can achieve this season. After their impressive 28 - 6 win at Grosvenor two weeks ago Larne continuing the winning habit with a 42 - 5 win over Malone seconds in the Junior Cup.
For the game at the Glynn on Sat Larne are expecting a tough encounter with Lisburn who the coach believes can challenge for a top four placing.
After Lisburn lost 74 - 0 to CIYMS in the opening league fixture they met their Belfast opponents at Blaris at the weekend in the Junior Cup restricting this time to a 41 - 12 scoreline. Lisburn Head coach Neil Hinds has much work to do to make sure his team don't get caught up in a relegation battle this season once again with Grosvenor and Donaghadee.
Larne are expecting to come up aganst a well organised side who will be well prepared for this fixture. Lawrence Kelly knows his players will have to be at their best to win this match. He is of the opinion that there is not a lot between 80% of the teams in this league with strength in depth a key factor in the league.
Limavady v UUC
Two sides who were familar foes in Qualifying Three last season before being promoted to Div 2 this season. Both these sides have lost their opening league game. Limavady losing 23 - 18 at home to Academy on the opening day with a much depleted student side suffering a 93 - 7 defeat against neighbours Coleraine two weeks ago.
Limavady Head coach Mark Nicholl is hoping to see his players get their season up and running this weekend. He was disappointed with their result against Academy. For this weekend he is able to call on a few more players.
Squad 1 - 15 Clive Scott, Stuart Houston, Rory Squires, Richard McCollum, Brendan Ferguson, John McCollum, Perry semple, Davy Houston, Robert Lamberton, Mark Woods, Jamie Millar, Chris Hunter, Stewart Roddy, Matthew Hazlett and Peter Wilson. Replacements will be from Daniel Irvine/Sam mackey and Jamie Millar/Jack McCool.
UUC's Brett Campbell is looking forward to renewing the friendship with Limavady. He acknowledges the game with Coleraine was testing - although the final score did not reflect a very competitive 1st half from the students with Coleraine only leading 12 - 7 after 35 mins. This is still a difficult stage of the season for the students with7/8 first choice players unavailable. Props Stephen McCleery and Lindsay McLaughlin are available again this weekend with Andrew Eastop returning at scrum half and James Stephenson at 15.
Randalstown v Grosvenor
Gary Longwell's side have had two convincing wins against Donaghadee in the league and Cup. After finishing strongly last season the coach has assembled a squad that is expected to finish in the top four this season. Gary Longwell has been the first to praise the excellent youth structure at Randalstown that continues to turn out 1st xv players with Adam McBurney moving on to play for Ballymena and the Ireland under 20 side.
The games against Grosvenor are always tight and his players are expecting the same on Sat. Grosvenor finished strongly last season and have recuited well in the off season.
New Grosvenor Head coach Robert Ford faces up to the prospect of playing Larne, Randalstown and Coleraine in the teams first three league fixtures. A difficult opening for his players. His players lost the first match at home to Larne 28 - 6. He was missing a lot of players for the Larne game who are slowly returning. He felt the scoreline flattered Larne in their win. But agreed Larne took their chances.
Ben Coard returns to the squad this week with the coach expecting to make 3/4 changes for the trip to Nelisbrook Park.
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP /CONFERENCE DIV 2
Armagh seconds v Malone seconds
Academy v Banbridge seconds
CIYMS v Belfast Harlequins seconds
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 3
Ballymoney v Virginia
Cavan v PSNI
Holywood v Lurgan
Monaghan v BHSFP
Newry v Letterkenny
Ophir v Strabane
This season we have 11 Ulster teams competing with Bangor returning to the AIL after an absence of 14 years. Last season promised much for several Ulster teams including Ballymena, Banbridge, Malone and City of Derry who topped their league tables before slipping back in the latter part of the season. Clubs including Ballynahinch, Belfast Harlequins and Rainey OB were all relegated from their leagues.
In the Kukri Ulster Championship Div 1 the top game will see title favourites Instonians hosting another contender Omagh in the game of the day at Shaws bridge. A win is crucial for the County Tyrone sides title ambitions.
In Div 2 Coleraine and CIYMS would appear to be the favourites for the top two places after early season results. Can teams including Randalstown and Larne challenge them.
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE
Division 1A
Terenure College v Dublin Uni. (16.9.16, kick off 7.30pm)
Garryowen v Lansdowne
St Mary's College v Cork Constitution
UCD v Clontarf
Young Munster v Old Belvedere
Division 1B
Ballynahinch v Buccaneers
Dolphin v UL Bohemians
Naas v Galwegians
Shannon v Ballymena
UCC v Old Wesley
Ballynahinch v Buccaneers
What was most impressive last weekend was Ballynahinch's 1st, 2nds and 3rds winning games against Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Bangor seconds with only Conor Joyce released by Ulster rugby. For the opening AIL match with Buccaneers at Ballymacarn Park coaches Derek Suffern and Chris Parker will add several Ulster players to their squad including Sam Windsor, Jonny McPhillips, Conor Joyce, Lorcan Dow, John Donnan and Craig Trenier along with Aaron Cairns who has been training and playing with the Ulster Academy/Development squad in pre season.
Injury rules out fellow Ulster players Mo Simpson, Jonny Murphy and David Busby. The playing 20 for Sat will be selected from 1 - 20 Gerry Cronin/Jonny Blair, Joe Roe, Craig Trenier/Stuart Orr, John Donnan, James Simpson, Lorcan Dow, Conor Joyce, Mike Graham (Captain), Aaron Cairns/ Chris Gibson, Jonny McPhillips, Davy Nicholson, Sam Windsor, Jordan Gratton, Chris Quinn and Stevie McCauley. Ulster scrum half Angus Lloyd may play on Sat depending on his game time for Ulster v Scarlets on Friday night. Other players added to the squad will include Andy Harper, Conor Phillips and Ross Carlisle. Hinch Director of Rugby Ronnie Duncan has been delighted by the performances of Ross Carlisle and Conor Phillips for the 1st xv in their pre season games. Carlisle is another product from Down High School who has excelled at out half and is expected to push for a starting place on the 1st xv.
Former second row Kenny Morton has resumed training and is expected to make himself avaialble for selection. A welcome addition to the 1st xv squad. Injury continues to rule out Richard Reaney, Blane McIIroy and Will Stewart with Stuart Morrow unavailable. Both David McGuigan and Josh Donaldson have under gone knee surgery and are not expected to play this season.
The goal for the Ballymacarn Park side is promotion back to Div 1A this season. Opponents Buccaneers have shown some early season form by winning the Connacht Senior league with wins over Galwegians, Galway Corinthians and Sligo. For the Ballynahinch coaches and players it is all about getting their season off to a winning start.
Ballymena v Shannon
Any visit to the home of Shannon rugby club in Limerick for your opening AIL match is a daunting fixture. For the trip South this weekend Ballymena Head coach Andy Graham is delighted by the release of Ulster players Michael Lagan, Adam McBurney, Kieran Treadwell, Connor Smyth, Stephen Mulholland, Matthew Rea and Mark Best. In recent seasons Connor Smyth, Matthew Rea and Stephen Mulholland have come through the playing ranks of Ballymena rugby club to earn playing contracts with Ulster rugby. What this demonstrates is that players who don't come through the under age pathway can use the club game to earn a professional rugby contract. Injury rules out Ulster players Ricky Lutton, Dave Shanahan and Conall Boomer.
Ballymena squad 1 - 20 Michael Lagan, Adam McBurney, Chris Cundell, Kieran Treadwell, David Whann, Connor Smyth, Stephen Mulholland, Matthew Rea, John Creighton, Glen Baillie, Jonny Rossborough, Mark Best, Paddy James, Jordan Foster, Rodger McBurney, Andrew Ferguson, James Taggart, James Gallagher, Tony McGuinness and Richie McMaster.
Injury rules out James Beattie, Josh McIIroy and Matthew Norris with Marty Irwin, Aidy Kirkpatrick and Chris Allen unavailable.
The Head coach has been pleased with the performances of young players Ryan Mathieson, Joe Thompson and Cory Millar in their pre season games. They are very much the future of Ballymena 1st xv. Mark Foster was unlucky to miss out on selection for the trip to Limerick this weekend.
Division 2A
Banbridge v Sunday's Well
Belfast Harlequins v Nenagh Ormond
Blackrock College v Galway Corinthians
Cashel RFC v Malone
Highfield v Queens Uni
Banbridge v Sunday's Well
Head coach Daniel Soper is pleased with how his Banbridge squad have performed in pre season. The players know they have to step up to another level for the visit of the Cork side to Rifle Park on Sat.
What is particularly pleasing for the coach is the new group of local young players pushing for inclusion in the 1st xv this season. The win by the seconds over Academy last Sat in the Junior Cup has lifted everybody in the club with the coach hoping that some of that will rub off on the 1st xv.
Banbridge are developing a style of play which the players enjoy and the supporters enjoy watching. He is hoping this style will bring success for the 1st xv this season.
The coach is aware that Div 2A is a tough league with Banbridge losing out on promotion through the playoffs last season. Home form has been excellent and a target for the team is to improve their away form on the road. There is no doubt that every team can beat anyone on their day, so off days are not an option.
15 of the 20 players starting this weekend were part of the last AIL league game last season enabling good continuity in the squad. The coach welcomes back Ian Porter and Michael Cromie after their time in the professional game. Ulster Academy starlet Andrew Magrath makes his debut for Banbridge side at out half along with Kiwi Simon Lloyd. Both the coaches and players can't wait to get their AIL season started.
Belfast Harlequins v Nenagh Ormond
Quins face a few late selection decisions. Rory Blake Knox who scored 21 points against Queens Uni last weekend is unavailable for the opening AIL game. Head coach Andrew Gillespie welcomes back Ben Sloan, Ken Mckenzie, Ian Anderson and Jonathan Siri. Ulster Academy prop Peter Cooper has been released by Ulster. Selection has been pretty consistent to try and build confidence in the pre season games after wins over City of Derry and Queens Uni. Assistant coach Keith Pyper has been impressed by the freshness some of the new players have added to the squad with former Campbell College scrum half Malcolm Corry showing a maturity on the pitch for someone just out of school.
The coaches are aware that opponents Nenagh will be coming up very confident after their win over Garryowen in the Munster Senior Cup last weekend. They possess a strong pack that will test the Quins forwards. Quins are focused on their own performance and they know if they get it correct they can win their opening match. The Quins players have had a good pre season , along with two positive wins. Hopefully the players can carry that into Saturday and get the new AIL season off to a good start.
Malone v Cashel
This is a daunting opening fixture for the Gibson Park side as they make the long trek to Tipperary this weekend. Head coach Paddy Armstrong knows Cashel will be tough. They are a well coached side and will present a big challenge for his Malone players. He has been pleased with the teams pre season through a lot of hard work by the players. He can't fault the players efforts or attitude with the coach facing a number of tight calls in selection this week.
Josh Pentland is available after taking a knock last weekend at Bangor with Dave Cave, Lee Barlow and Andy Bryans starting on Sat. Shane Kelly returns at scrum half and will be joined by Conor Spence and Cory Tipping who take their place on the bench.
Malone team 1 - 20. Lee Barlow, Dave Cave, Dane Fitzpatrick, Michael Shiels, James McAllister, Ben McDonnell, Neil Alcorn, Philip Lucas, Shane Kelly, Nathan Brown, Michael Cartmill, Josh Pentland, Mark McCrea, Rory Campbell, Andy Bryan's, Dan Kerr, Richard Greenwood, Cory Tipping, Connor Spence, Mark O'Connor.
Queens Uni v Highfield
The students face a long trip to newly promoted Highfield in Cork for a difficult opening AIL fixture. Head coach Bob Young will be looking to his four Ulster players Alex Thompson, Zack McCall, Nick Timoney and Marcus Rea to boost his forward options.
Highfield is a difficult place to travel to. The coach and his players know they will have to confront the physicality of the Cork side and will be looking to repeat their opening day win at Galway Corinthians last season. The ambitions for the students this season are to finish in the top four. They are also aware how competitive Division 2A will be this season.
Division 2B
Bective Rangers v Armagh
City of Derry v Skerries
Dungannon v MU Barnhall
Old Crescent v Greystones
Wanderers v Thomond
Armagh v Bective Rangers
Head coach Alex McCloy is pleased with the way pre season has went for his Armagh players in the Ulster league and Cup games. Having missed out on a top four finish last season the coaches introduced a Gym programme back in May for the players that has transformed their physicality in their opening games. The attitude of the coaches is to take it one game at a time in the AIL this season. If the squad are going to be successful, consistency in performance will be the key.
Armagh have improved the depth in their squad most notably in the back row and the back three which will be important. New signings Ali Birch (Captain), Ollie Millar and Eoin Baxter will be making their AIL debuts for Armagh this weekend.
City of Derry v Skerries
It has been a difficult pre season for new City of Derry coaches Richard McCarter and Stephen Douglas with the team suffering league and Cup defeats against Ballymena, Belfast Harlequins and Banbridge. For a team that narrowly missed out on promotion last season the club has had to deal with Head coach Terry McMaster stepping down and several key players leaving the North West to pursue new employment opportunities. The opening AIL game on Sat will be crucial to build momentum for the new season.
Dungannon v MU Barnhall
Head coach Andy Hughes has introduced a new playing strategy into his 1st xv during their SONI Ulster league games against Ballynahinch and Armagh. The objective was to keep the ball in play as much as possible with a no fear attitude as the coach wanted the players to push themselves from a fitness level while working on their skills.
As much as the players came away with a lot of positives from it , it did lead to our error count being a lot higher than we would like.
To concede the points we did in those two games was obviously concerning but the players know it was down to their mistakes. If the team can manage to cut out the silly mistakes the coach is confident the players can compete in this league.
Both the coaches and players are looking forward to their opening AIL game at Stevenson Park. They know MU Barnhall will be difficult opponents as they finished last season strongly. He is confident that if his players can shore up the lapses in concentration in defence they can come away with a positive result this weekend.
New addition to the squad Tianua Poto starts at 10 on Sat. The coach is hoping Steven Sinnamon will return from injury to take his place on the bench. Number 8 Peter Doran faces a late fitness test.
Division 2C
Bangor v Rainey OB
Boyne v Bruff
Midleton v Kanturk
Seapoint v Tullamore
Sligo v Navan RFC
Bangor v Rainey OB
Ricky Armstrong 1st xv manager at Bangor describes it as a being a long time coming for the return of Bangor to the All Ireland League. He actually played in Bangor's last game in the AIL 14 years ago when they lost a relegation playoff to Richmond 16 - 6. It has been a long time in the wilderness for the club with a lot of good players having come and gone, but with all the top individuals we went through we just never had the right blend of talent and sheer bloody mindedness and work rate that this team now has.
Five years ago when Bangor were playing in Qualifying Two Rupert Preston came in as Head coach with Jason Morgan as his assistant with people like Danny Curran, Jonny Watson and Bill Hinchens getting involved and beavering away in sorting out the clubs finances whilst steps were taken to assemble a squad of young players. These players trained hard and bought into the new ethos the club was creating. Key signings like Chris Morgan and Curtis Stewart from Instonians along with Jamie Clegg and Andrew Jackson returning from University became key members of the 1st xv. It all started to gather momentum from those first few years in Q 2 which the team won by getting a few old heads into the playing squad including Chris Schofield, Darren Lyttle, Nicky Hatton, Paddy Dornan, Douglas Gordon, Stephen Addey and Ricky Armstrong. Once the team gained promotion into Q 1 Danny Curran was able to persuade players from the Bangor area to play for Bangor including Mark Widdowson, Desi Fusco, Philip Whyte, Craig Burton, Orran McIImurray, James Henley. (All players who lived in Bangor and played for other clubs). With the return of David Bradford the momentum just kept building and building. Bangor now have a club the players, officials and supporters are very proud off.
The reason last season we won so many games was because no one player was doing it for themselves. It was for each other.
The goal for Bangor is to keep it going week in week out against stronger opposition this season. The team spirit is there along with the hunger to be successful. Additional signings over the summer has kept the momentum up with good numbers at training each week. Only time will tell whether Bangor have the players to compete in the AIL. Everybody is looking forward to the opening game against Rainey on Sat.
The team received a wake up call against Malone last weekend. They were so clinical in the first half that the statistics suggested poor ball retention by Bangor was their downfall. Ricky Armstrong has been delighted with the response of the players at training this week. The players now know the level they need to be at now. Lack of game time hasn't helped pre season preparations. The Malone team looked like they had played two more games than us.
Other than Alastair Lockhart who took a knock to the head and Andrew Jackson who is on holiday , Bangor will have a full squad to select from for the visit of Rainey.
Rainey Head coach John Andrew's has been delighted with his squads pre season preparations. The addition of quality players including George Fritz from Western province, Andrew Harbinson, Chris Ladlier from Hartpury College and former Ulster player Ricky Andrew's has added strength and experience to their playing squad. The coach is confident his playing squad can challenge for promotion this season. He is under on illusions about the challenge Bangor will provide for his players. They are expecting Bangor to be well organised and looking forward to being back in Senior rugby.
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 1
Ards v Dromore
Clogher Valley v Cooke
Instonians v Omagh
Portadown v Carrickfergus
Ards v Dromore
Two heavy defeats at home against Instonians and Coleraine have put pressure on Ards Head coach Dave Irwin . With another home game against Dromore at Hamilton Park this weekend the team know they need to start picking up league points. Last season Ards required a relegation playoff win over Enniskillen to keep their place in Div 1.
The Ards Head coach felt his team put in much improved performance in their 41 - 10 Junior Cup defeat against Coleraine last weekend after losing their opening league game 59 - 0 at home to Instonians. Ards had come up against a very strong and experienced Coleraine side who have strengthened their squad as they push for promotion back to Div 1.
For the match with Dromore the coach has a number of regulars unavailable due to other commitments this weekend. He welcomes back Club Captain Mark Bamford with the goal for his players to continue their improvement against a quality Dromore side that is expected to play a very direct game.
Dromore Head coach Jonny Cullen along with his assistants Mike Harshaw, Jamie Kirk and Roger Irwin are hoping the form of his team in recording two convincing wins over Ballymena and Belfast Harlequins seconds can be transfered into their league form after losing their opening league game at Portadown. The coach has a couple of late fitness tests before deciding on his starting team.
Clogher Valley v Cooke
This is a crucial league game for both sides with Clogher losing both their opening league games against Enniskillen and Carrickfergus. In their last visit to County Tyrone Cooke were beaten 41 - 0 at Omagh in their opening league game. For Clogher coaches Glen Kyle and Davy Black and Cooke coaches Colin Atkinson and Philip Cartmill they know how important it is to pick up league points early in the season.
Clogher squad 1 - 17 Philip Hopper, Jonny Foster, Michael Treanor, Eugene McKenna, Mark McKenna, Ian Mulligan, Allister Trenier, Ryan Wilson, Mark Ellis, Neil Trotter, Clive Donaldson, PC Faulkner, Philip Wilson, Andrew Breen, Josh Coulter, Philip Moore and Fleming Agnew.
Injury rules out Captain Kyle Cobane and Philip Holme with Ulster Junior David Sharkey targetting October for a return.
Instonians v Omagh
Big game at Shaws bridge this weekend for both teams. Instonians opened their league campaign witha narrow 17 - 5 win over Ballyclare. Ballyclare followed up with a 23 - 15 win over Omagh after they won their home game with Cooke 41 - 0. These three teams are the main contenders for the league title this season with Omagh needing to win this weekend, otherwise Instonians will be clear favourites for the Div 1 title. A lot at stake for both sides in this meeting.
Instonians Director of Rugby William Leacock is aware Omagh are an extremely tough team to play against. They are a physical side and play a nice brand of rugby with several very good players in their team. His players are looking forward to another close encounter and do not underestimate the challenge they present. Omagh have been building a very good club over the last number of years and Instonians look forward to welcoming them to Shaws bridge on Saturday.
Team selection has been tough with a number of players putting their hand up for selection. Young players including T J Morris, Harry Gallagher, Blair Robinson and Andrew keane have all come into the team and been very impressive so far this season. Captain Robert Whitten is an influential player and has been playing well along with senior players Josh Cregan and Conor Gallagher.
Omagh head coach Philip Marshall is well aware of the tough test that faces his players at Shaws bridge this weekend. He is also aware that it will tell him where his team and players are at compared to opponents Instonians. Unfortunately injuries continue to impact on player availability and selection with his entire front row ruled out through injury. He is hoping Captain Kyle Alexander can make the bench. Number 8 Mervyn Edgar has been ruled out with a rib injury along with centre Adam Stephenson. His centre partner Alan Heaney will face a late fitness test.
The coach is ever the optimist with squad players getting the opportunity to impress. He still feels his team are strong but Inst will be the acid test for his players as he looks forward to the trip.
Portadown v Carrickfergus
Head coach Richard Hedley is aware how important it is for his Portadown side to win their home games and build momentum. They opened up with a 25 - 7 win over Dromore before losing 25 - 13 at newly promoted Enniskillen.
Carrick have played one league game in defeating Clogher Valley 17 - 15 at home before losing 18 - 17 at home to Hinch seconds in the Junior Cup last Sat.
Portadown will be without the unavailable Gareth McCoy and Johnny Holden with Michael Orr and Lee Bickers added to the squad. Both Dairmuid O'Kane and Rodney Blair return after missing the match at Enniskillen.
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP/CONFERENCE DIV 1
Ballymena seconds v Enniskillen
Ballynahinch seconds v Ballyclare
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 2
Coleraine v Donaghadee
Larne v Lisburn
Limavady v UUC
Randalstown v Grosvenor
Coleraine v Donaghadee
Head coach Richard Boyd is pleased with the start his Coleraine squad have made to their season. It is important the players and coaches keep working hard and remain focused. Numbers at training have been really positive and there is a healthy competition building between the firsts and seconds. The new faces at the club have made a big impact and he is delighted with the team spirit that is growing amongst the players. The coach is pleased with work Greg Jordan is doing with the second xv. They have impressed in winning the George Tees Cup and recorded wins over CIYMS and Ards.
His squad are looking forward to the fixture against Donaghadee at the weekend. They are expecting Donaghadee to be very physical and committed to turning their season around. His team will have to be focused and clinical this weekend. Altough the team has had some big wins in recent weeks they have work to do in certain areas over the next few weeks.
In the pack Stuart Evans and DD McAllister come into the squad for John Rankin and the unavailable Rodger Bonnar. The club are delighted to see Adam Parke return to 1st xv action after a year on the sidelines to replace Kyle McAuley who is also unavailable. Both Alan Clarke and Rory Strang have rehabbed well and will also come into contention for a place in the squad this weekend.
Talking to Stuart Thompson the Donaghadee PRO this week has given the club the opportunity to outline its future plans. New Head coach Mark Henderson has been an excellent addition to the club coaching staff. He has started the process of building a new team around those players who want to play for the club. Recent additions include James McGucken, Adam Baird, Kenny McCombe and Kyle Adams who have strengthened the playing squad. The club recognise they have a small playing squad who are totally committed to catching up on their fitness levels.
The 1st xv have been competitive in their last two games with fitness levels their un doing in the second half. The 51 - 0 defeat at Randalstown last Sat in the Cup was disappointing as two serious injuries to Sam Ingham and Adam Baird affected the teams performance.
The 1st xv have lost some prominent senior players who have had to retire or take a step back over the summer. They are no longer able to commit to regular training or playing. Several players have moved to neighbouring clubs Ards and Bangor. Recruitment of young players has proved difficult for the club. The difficulty for the club is that there is no local school in the area to draw players from.
The focus for the Dee rugby club is to build from the bottom up. The clubs CCRO Guy McManus was the most successful CCRO at the Ulster Branch last season, increasing playing levels at Mini and Youth level by a staggering 183%. The Dee under 12's boys will be playing at half time at the Kingspan stadium on Friday night. The clubs under 12 girls team played at half time during the recent friendly against Northampton at the Kingspan stadium. The club is delighted to announce that an under 14 boys team will be competing in a regional league for the first time this season.
The aim for the 1st xv is to build a team that can be competitive in Div 2 this season. We wish all the players, coaches and officials well in their efforts for the remainder of the season.
Larne v Lisburn
When Larne were promoted last season they raised a few eye brows when they topped Qualifying Two before Xmas as they ended their season mid table. New Head coach Lawrence Kelly and his coaching team have once again raised expectations of what this team can achieve this season. After their impressive 28 - 6 win at Grosvenor two weeks ago Larne continuing the winning habit with a 42 - 5 win over Malone seconds in the Junior Cup.
For the game at the Glynn on Sat Larne are expecting a tough encounter with Lisburn who the coach believes can challenge for a top four placing.
After Lisburn lost 74 - 0 to CIYMS in the opening league fixture they met their Belfast opponents at Blaris at the weekend in the Junior Cup restricting this time to a 41 - 12 scoreline. Lisburn Head coach Neil Hinds has much work to do to make sure his team don't get caught up in a relegation battle this season once again with Grosvenor and Donaghadee.
Larne are expecting to come up aganst a well organised side who will be well prepared for this fixture. Lawrence Kelly knows his players will have to be at their best to win this match. He is of the opinion that there is not a lot between 80% of the teams in this league with strength in depth a key factor in the league.
Limavady v UUC
Two sides who were familar foes in Qualifying Three last season before being promoted to Div 2 this season. Both these sides have lost their opening league game. Limavady losing 23 - 18 at home to Academy on the opening day with a much depleted student side suffering a 93 - 7 defeat against neighbours Coleraine two weeks ago.
Limavady Head coach Mark Nicholl is hoping to see his players get their season up and running this weekend. He was disappointed with their result against Academy. For this weekend he is able to call on a few more players.
Squad 1 - 15 Clive Scott, Stuart Houston, Rory Squires, Richard McCollum, Brendan Ferguson, John McCollum, Perry semple, Davy Houston, Robert Lamberton, Mark Woods, Jamie Millar, Chris Hunter, Stewart Roddy, Matthew Hazlett and Peter Wilson. Replacements will be from Daniel Irvine/Sam mackey and Jamie Millar/Jack McCool.
UUC's Brett Campbell is looking forward to renewing the friendship with Limavady. He acknowledges the game with Coleraine was testing - although the final score did not reflect a very competitive 1st half from the students with Coleraine only leading 12 - 7 after 35 mins. This is still a difficult stage of the season for the students with7/8 first choice players unavailable. Props Stephen McCleery and Lindsay McLaughlin are available again this weekend with Andrew Eastop returning at scrum half and James Stephenson at 15.
Randalstown v Grosvenor
Gary Longwell's side have had two convincing wins against Donaghadee in the league and Cup. After finishing strongly last season the coach has assembled a squad that is expected to finish in the top four this season. Gary Longwell has been the first to praise the excellent youth structure at Randalstown that continues to turn out 1st xv players with Adam McBurney moving on to play for Ballymena and the Ireland under 20 side.
The games against Grosvenor are always tight and his players are expecting the same on Sat. Grosvenor finished strongly last season and have recuited well in the off season.
New Grosvenor Head coach Robert Ford faces up to the prospect of playing Larne, Randalstown and Coleraine in the teams first three league fixtures. A difficult opening for his players. His players lost the first match at home to Larne 28 - 6. He was missing a lot of players for the Larne game who are slowly returning. He felt the scoreline flattered Larne in their win. But agreed Larne took their chances.
Ben Coard returns to the squad this week with the coach expecting to make 3/4 changes for the trip to Nelisbrook Park.
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP /CONFERENCE DIV 2
Armagh seconds v Malone seconds
Academy v Banbridge seconds
CIYMS v Belfast Harlequins seconds
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 3
Ballymoney v Virginia
Cavan v PSNI
Holywood v Lurgan
Monaghan v BHSFP
Newry v Letterkenny
Ophir v Strabane