Weekend Rugby Preview

A whole host of Munster teams involved in the various playoffs at Senior level, looking at both survival and a chance at greatness, while a massive weekend awaits for Clonmel as they bid to join the Senior rugby ranks.

The Ulster Bank All Ireland play-off semi-finals are down for decision this weekend, together with the final series of games in the All Ireland Provincial League series.

On Sunday in the Division 1A semi-finals, both Young Munster and Cork Constitution are away to Dublin opposition.

Young Munster are away to defending champions Clontarf. The Limerick side recorded a 20-18 victory when these sides met at Tom Clifford Park and they also defeated Clontarf at Castle Avenue a month ago. Young Munster are also seeking their first title since their solitary success of 1993.

Cork Constitution, who last won the title in 2010 take on Lansdowne at the Aviva Stadium. The Leesiders recently defeated Lansdowne 25-20 at the same venue and they defeated the Dublin side 31-13 at Temple Hill in early October.

In the Division 1B play-off semi-finals, which are also being played on Sunday, Garryowen will be looking to make the most of home advantage count in a bid to preserve their top flight status as they welcome promotion-chasing Old Wesley to Dooradoyle.

UL Bohemian are away to Naas by whom they were defeated twice over the past campaign.

Dolphin entertain Malone at Irish Independent Park in the Division 2A semi-finals on Saturday, with the Leesiders battling against relegation.

Highfield host Nenagh Ormond by whom they were defeated 36-24 in North Tipperary in March. These sides played out a 16-16 draw at Woodleigh Park earlier in the season.

Sunday’s Well lock horns with Old Crescent in the Division 2B semi-final at Irish Independent Park on Sunday, with the winners meeting Armagh or Wanderers.

Clonmel, who have won the Munster Junior League for the third successive year, travel to County Tyrone to take on former AIL side and Ulster League champions Omagh. The South Tipperary side will have their work cut out if they are to qualify for a play-off with Boyne in Drogheda and finally claim an elusive AIL place.

The only Junior game this weekend is the Munster Junior 2 League final between Cork Constitution and Garryowen at Temple Hill on Friday evening.