AIB League: 9 Days To Go!

With just 9 days to go until the start of the new AIB All-Ireland League season, irishrugby.ie looks at some of the latest club news from around the country.

LANSDOWNE have completed the signing of Cameron Jowitt – a 22-year-old New Zealander of Samoan extract who can play in the second row or back row.

Jowitt, standing at 6ft 7in and weighing in at 17st 5lbs, lined out for Leinster ‘A’ last Friday against Ulster ‘A’ at Navan RFC and was previously part of the Auckland Super 12 High Performance squad and the Auckland NPC ‘A’ squad.

The Kiwi could prove an astute signing by Lansdowne, who were forced to save their top flight bacon in a play-off against UCC last season.

BELFAST HARLEQUINS, AIB League Division One finalists last season, are holding a ‘Charity Poker Night’ in aid of Northern Ireland Mother and Baby Action (NIMBA) next Friday, October 14, ahead of their league opener against Garryowen the following day.

The “Texas Hold-Em” event, with all proceeds going to NIMBA, will run from 7.30pm to 11.30pm with entry priced at Stg20 (includes buffet and playing chips). Ticket information is available from Bill McCappin (tel: 0044 (0) 2890663277)

UL BOHEMIANS, ahead of their return to Division One rugby, will play Oxford University in a prestigious friendly fixture tomorrow night (Friday, October 7) at 7.30pm in Oxford. It will be the first meeting between the sides and it is hoped that it will become a regular fixture. UL Bohs will use the trip as a build-up to their top flight opener against Cork Constitution on Saturday week.

Breezemount Transport recently confirmed their continuing sponsorship of AIB League Division Two side BALLYNAHINCH. The County Down side kick-off their league run at home to Terenure College on Saturday week and new coach Willie Anderson reckons Breezemount’s sponsorship is an ideal boast for the season ahead.

The former Ireland international said: “Every rugby club needs the support of the local business community and as principal club sponsor, Breezmount Transport will play a major role in the development of the Ballynahinch club during the season ahead.

“The players and supporters are well aware of the importance of this sponsorship and sincerely thank Breezemount for the continued generosity and encouragement.”