Club Rugby makes a welcome return this weekend with a full round of fixtures in the Bank of Ireland Senior Cup and Shield.
After a long break for supporters, and a rigorous pre-season for players, the return to action will no doubt be welcomed by all rugby enthusiasts across the province.
The Bank of Ireland Senior Cup will this year see eight AIL clubs split into two groups of four, with each team playing three games over the next three weeks, before the top two in each group go head-to-head in the final on Monday 28th December at Affidea Stadium.
Joining holders Ballynahinch in Group 1 are Banbridge, Dungannon and City of Armagh; and it’s in the Palace Grounds where Hinch will launch the defence of their title.
It’s an opening day clash that is sure to attract a big crowd to the city venue as both sides chase down a top placed finish in the section.
The remaining fixture in Group 1 sees Banbridge host Dungannon at rifle Park.
Dungannon have lifted the Senior Cup on 10 previous occasions, but you must go back to the 2010/11 season for their last success.
Banbridge are yet to get their hands on one of club rugby’s most prized assets, and with this being their centenary year, the timing couldn’t be more perfect for Neil Doak’s men to lift the Senior Cup for the first time.
The competitions two most successful teams, Queens University and Instonians have been paired together in Group 2 along with Ballymena and Clogher Valley.
Ballymena will be eager to add to their 14 titles, and they start with a home tie against Clogher Valley.
The Fivemiletown side have yet to taste success at senior level, but their progression over the last number of years since their promotion to the senior ranks, could make them a dark horse for this year’s competition.
Bank of Ireland Senior Cup
Group 1 Fixtures
Round 1 – 29th August
City of Armagh v Ballynahinch
Banbridge v Dungannon
Round 2 – 5th September
Dungannon v Ballynahinch
Banbridge v City of Armagh
Round 3 12th September
Dungannon v City of Armagh
Ballynahinch v Banbridge
Group 2 Fixtures
Round 1 29th August
Ballymena v Clogher Valley
Round 2 5th September
Clogher Valley v Queens
Instonians v Ballymena
Round 3 12th September
Clogher Valley v Instonians
Queens v Ballymena
The Bank of Ireland Shield also swings into action on Saturday.
Ballyclare, Malone, Rainey and newly promoted Enniskillen will go head-to-head with the top to advancing to the Shield Final on 28th December.
There is an added incentive for the table toppers as they will have home advantage for the final.
Bank of Ireland Senior Shield Fixtures
Round 1 29th August
Ballyclare v Malone
Rainey v Enniskillen
Round 2 5th September
Malone v Rainey
Enniskillen v Ballyclare
Round 3
Enniskillen v Malone
Ballyclare v Rainey