Club Rugby Preview

Over a relatively quiet festive season, there are three games outstanding in the Munster Junior League, together with the Sporting Limerick Charity Cup decider and the annual Crowley Cup.

See the full list of fixtures here.

On the Saturday before Christmas, Fethard welcome Youghal to South Tipperary in Division 2 of the Munster Junior League with both sides in mid-table. Fethard were narrowly defeated 18-13 by Clonakilty in West Cork last time out, while Youghal also go into the tie on the back of a 24-19 home defeat by leaders Mallow.

In Division 3, Bantry Bay entertain Ennis, with the West Cork side in fourth place on 16 points, while the Clare side are fifth on 15 points. Bantry claimed a losing bonus point from their 12-8 defeat by Douglas-Carrigaline at Wilton, while Ennis recorded a maximum point 28-10 home win over Banner County neighbours Scariff.

Dunmanway host Mitchelstown in a Cork derby the Sunday before New Year’s Eve. The North Cork side will be looking to claim maximum points behind leaders Tralee and second placed Killarney. Dunmanway enter the tie on the back of a 12-5 defeat by Scariff in East Clare.

The Sporting Limerick Charity Cup final is down for decision at the Markets Field Stadium as Garryowen and Young Munster lock horns, with the Sky Blues looking to reclaim the trophy for the first time since 2003.

Cork Constitution and UCC go head to head in their annual Crowley Cup tie on St Stephen’s Day, with the Lilywhite’s looking to retain the trophy for the fourth successive year, while the Students’ last triumph was in 2014.