Junior Rugby Preview

There is a full programme of games across all three divisions of the Munster Junior League this weekend.

League leaders Richmond will be looking to take another step closer to the title as they entertain Newcastle West, who are four points adrift of a top four finish.

Second-placed Bandon will be looking to make the most of home advantage count in a bid to keep their title aspirations on track and grind out a maximum point win as they host Abbeyfeale.

Bandon will be looking to make amends for their failure to collect a bonus point from their victory over Clanwilliam, while the West Limerick side who are seventh, are without a win since they defeated Youghal in late November.

Defending champions Clonmel are fourth following their maximum point away win over Abbeyfeale. The South Tipperary side are three points adrift of Richmond and will be looking to get a result to keep their slim aspirations of a fourth successive title intact.

Youghal host Galbally in a basement clash. Both sides have recorded one win each and the East Cork side will be looking to make the most of home advantage count in their bid to take another step closer to safety.

Elsewhere there are two mid-table clashes which see Clanwilliam taking on Waterpark in Tipperary Town and Kanturk and Skibbereen locking horns in a Rebel County derby in Duhallow.

There are two Cork derbies in Division 2.

Leaders Crosshaven are at home to Old Christians and Clonakilty will be looking to maintain their promotion challenge as they entertain Ballincollig, who are hovering above the drop zone.

St Mary’s and Thurles will be expected to maintain their promotion challenges with home wins from their respective games against Mitchelstown and Mallow.

In other games, Castleisland and Kinsale put their respective outside promotion aspirations on the line in the Kingdom and Muskerry are at home to Waterford City.

Charleville, who are the new leaders in Division 3 hold a one-point advantage over Fethard. The North Cork side are at home to Chorca Dhuibhne and they will be looking to extend their lead, while Fethard will be looking to get 2018 off to a winning start as they host bottom side Douglas-Carrigaline.

Tralee will be expected to continue their recent good run and get a result from their home tie with Bantry Bay and third-placed Ennis should prove too strong for Fermoy in the Banner County.

Dungarvan, who have slipped to sixth following their recent defeat by Charleville, welcome Killorglin to West Waterford, with the Mid Kerry side coming off the back of a 26-23 defeat by Kingdom neighbours Tralee.