Old Belvedere and Naas have the honour of kicking off the new Energia Men's All-Ireland League season, as they serve up the Friday Night Lights fare in Division 1B's opening round.
ENERGIA MEN'S ALL-IRELAND LEAGUE – DIVISION 1B:
ROUND 1: Saturday, October 2 Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated –OLD BELVEDERE v NAAS, Ollie Campbell Park
Preview: An AIL debut for the Ray Monaghan-led Old Belvedere coaching team, which includes former Leinster and Ireland prop Mike Ross. 'Belvo are live-streaming tonight's opener (kick-off 8pm). Naas were second-from-bottom when the 2019/20 season was cancelled, so they will not lack for motivation as they look to recapture their best form under Johne Murphy. Workhorse flanker Johnny McKeown has moved to Belvedere, joining his former Trinity captain, Colm Hogan, while well-travellled Ireland Club XV hooker John Sutton is now back with Murphy's Cobras. Recent League Meetings - Saturday, December 7, 2019: Old Belvedere 12 Naas 19, Ollie Campbell Park; Saturday, January 25, 2020: Naas 39 Old Belvedere 12, Forenaughts IrishRugby.ie Prediction: Old Belvedere to winBANBRIDGE v CITY OF ARMAGH, Rifle Park
Preview: It has been a testing early season spell for Banbridge, who have shipped some heavy defeats in Ulster. But the AIL brings a clean slate, and head coach Mark McDowell feels they are now on an upward curve. "There's a real excitement in camp about the league starting," said McDowell, who rates new out-half Harry Bird highly. "I know that we're more prepared than we showed against Ballynahinch, and I think you'll see that against Armagh." Armagh welcomed back Chris Colvin, Kyle Faloon and Josh McKinley from injury last week, and Chris Parker's men are targeting a full 80-minute performance after being 'well below their usual standards' in the first half against Queen's. Recent League Meetings - Saturday, December 14, 2019: Banbridge 43 City of Armagh 18, Rifle Park; Saturday, January 11, 2020: City of Armagh 12 Banbridge 5, Palace Grounds IrishRugby.ie Prediction: City of Armagh to win
HIGHFIELD v ST. MARY'S COLLEGE, Woodleigh Park
Preview: Highfield are already motoring along nicely this past month, beating the likes of UCC (24-21), Sunday's Well (51-7) and Old Crescent (32-31). Their maul again is a serious weapon. Paul Stack and Luke Kingston provide the threat out wide for Conor Quaid's well-drilled side, who were top of the table when Covid-19 cancelled the 2019/20 season. St. Mary's welcome back Conor Dean at out-half after his spell with Connacht. Hooker Richie Halpin, who gets a full crack at the captaincy, and number 8 Ronan Watters have a vital presence in the pack. Recent League Meeting - Saturday, November 2, 2019: St. Mary's College 11 Highfield 16, Templeville Road IrishRugby.ie Prediction: Highfield to winMALONE v NAVAN, Gibson Park
Preview: Malone were pushing for a top-four finish 18 months ago, so they are understandably eager to get back on the horse - despite a lengthy injury list at the moment. South African back rower Teigan Erasmus has joined the Cregagh Red Sox and could prove to be a key signing. Goal-kicking winger Rory Campbell is a classy operator, as shown by his recent match-winning heroics against Queen's.The Harris-Wright brothers, assistant coach Jason and S&C coach Jonny, have been whipping Navan into shape. Refreshed and with most of the squad retained, Ray Moloney's charges look in better fettle this time around.
Recent League Meetings - Saturday, November 30, 2019: Malone 43 Navan 3, Gibson Park; Saturday, February 15, 2020: Navan 0 Malone 12, Balreask Old IrishRugby.ie Prediction: Malone to win