Who Will Follow In Ballynahinch’s Footsteps?

Ballynahinch brilliantly swept all before them in last season’s AIB Cup, but who will follow them as the 2009/10 competition’s champions? Will ‘Hinch become the first club to retain the title or will a side from Connacht or Leinster end their province’s wait for AIB Cup success.

All-Ireland rugby action returns this weekend with the much-anticipated opening round of fixtures in this season’s AIB Cup.

Whether a die-hard supporter or a newcomer to the game, make sure you get out to support your local club or take in a game in whatever part of the country you happen to be in on Saturday.

We will have all the results as they come in here on IrishRugby.ie, as well as a full round-up of reports.

2009/10 AIB CUP FIRST ROUND: Saturday, September 26

Sunday’s Well v Malone, Musgrave Park, 1pm
Barnhall v Suttonians, Parsonstown, 2.30pm
Belfast Harlequins v Naas, Deramore Park, 2.30pm
Clonakilty v Bruff, Shannonvale Cross, 2.30pm
County Carlow v Queen’s University, Oak Park, 2.30pm
Corinthians v Wanderers, Corinthian Park, 2.30pm
De La Salle Palmerston v Greystones, Kilternan, 2.30pm
Dublin University v Banbridge, College Park, 2.30pm
Highfield v Thomond, Woodleigh Park, 2.30pm
Lansdowne v Ards, The RDS, 2.30pm
Midleton v UCD, Towns Park, 2.30pm
Navan v Instonians, Balreask Old, 2.30pm
Nenagh Ormond v Portadown, New Ormond Park, 2.30pm
Rainey Old Boys v Old Crescent, Hatrick Park, 2.30pm
Terenure College v Connemara, Lakelands Park, 2.30pm
Bective Rangers v Old Wesley, Donnybrook, 3.15pm