Senior Rugby Preview

The second half of the All Ireland League begins this weekend with the reversals of last weekend’s fixtures taking place across all five divisions.

Defending champions Cork Constitution will be looking to make the most of home advantage count as they aim to avenge last week’s 24-17 defeat by Garryowen, from which they returned with a losing bonus point.

Young Munster will have their work cut out as they welcome Terenure College to Tom Clifford Park. The Dublin side ran out 32-13 winners at Lakelands Park to move into second place behind Lansdowne.

The game of the day in Division 1B sees Shannon entertain Ballynahinch in a top of the table clash at Thomond Park. The Limerick side have slipped to second place following their 42-15 defeat, with the County Down side claiming pole position.

Dolphin, who are propping up the table are still without a win since they defeated Ballymena 10-6 at Eaton Park in October. They will be looking to go one better as they host Banbridge at Irish Independent Park (kick off 4pm) after claiming a losing bonus point from their 26-25 defeat in the Mourne County.

UCC will be looking to make the most of home advantage count and make it two wins out of two over UL Bohemian following last week’s 22-15 triumph at the UL Arena, which saw the Limerick side finish with a losing bonus point.

In Division 2A, second-placed Highfield host bottom side Galwegians. The Leesiders are now second, just one point behind leaders Malone and the Galway side are rooted to the foot of the table following Highfield’s 40-10 victory at Crowley Park.

Cashel are away to City of Armagh in a mid-table clash, with Cashel having recorded a 13-10 win when these sides met in the Premier County.

Third-placed Nenagh Ormond, who recorded a 35-17 maximum point away win over struggling Blackrock College, will be looking to make the most of home advantage count against the Dublin side in a bid to maintain their challenge for a top four finish.

Division 2B leaders Old Crescent, who are the only unbeaten Munster side, travel to the Royal County to take on Navan, who they defeated 22-20 at Rosbrien last time out.

Sunday’s Well make the long trip to Magherafelt to take on Rainey Old Boys, a week before they take on the County Derry side at Irish Independent Park. Rainey Old Boys are second, while Sunday’s Well are hovering above the drop zone following a run of three successive defeats.

In Division 2C, second-placed Thomond will be looking to make life difficult for Bective Rangers at Liam Fitzgerald Park as they aim to avenge last week’s 9-3 defeat at Donnybrook.

Midleton, who have slipped into the drop zone following their narrow 17-13 defeat by Bruff at Kilballyowen Park are at home to the County Limerick side, who are fifth.