Mike Orchin-McKeever's first Energia All-Ireland League match in charge of Ballynahinch saw UCD, who staved off relegation last term, make the trip to Ballymacarn Park.
Old Wesley played their first top-flight fixture in the league since 1997, taking on a Clontarf team with a new head coach in Karl Curran, and a freshly-appointed captain in Conor Kelly.
Former Munster prop Brian Scott has made the step up from defence coach to head coach at Cork Constitution. Terenure College were the first round visitors, led by a familiar face in Paul Barr.
A blockbluster opening clash brought together Lansdowne, the recent Leinster Senior Cup winners who are now coached by Rhys Ruddock, and defending Division 1A champions St. Mary's College.
With Hugh Hogan now in the coaching hot seat, Old Belvedere ventured down to Greenfields to face a Young Munster team that finished just above them in mid-table last season.
Energia All-Ireland League Men's Divisions: Round 1 Results Round-Up
