The IRFU have announced the fixtures for the forthcoming Ulster Bank League season and following on from the success of last year’s ‘Friday Night Lights’ games, the evening kick-offs continue and Division 1A sees the return of semi-finals and a final for the 2014/15 campaign.
Reigning Division 1A champions Clontarf will take on Young Munster at Castle Avenue in the first league fixture of their title defence. The league opens on Friday, September 12 and Saturday, September 13.
Last year’s runners-up Old Belvedere host Bateman Cup holders Cork Constitution in round 1, while new boys Terenure College take on Ballynahinch who beat Buccaneers in a play-off to maintain their top flight status.
The semi-finals in Division 1A are scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 25 with the final taking place two weeks later on Saturday May 9.
Irish Rugby TV will build on last season with even more games streamed lived from Division 1A as well as highlights packages made available on IrishRugby.ie and the IRFU’s YouTube channel.
‘Friday Night Lights’ matches and local derbies such as the keenly contested Cork Constitution v Dolphin or title holders Clontarf v Old Belvedere are already in the schedule with more games to be announced at the start of the season.
In Division 1B the opening round of fixtures sees the clash of two Limerick heavyweights as Garryowen, relegated from Division 1A last term, welcome Shannon to Dooradoyle.
The two clubs promoted from Division 2A, Galwegians and Ballymena, host Dublin University and Corinthians respectively while Buccs, who missed out on a place in the top division last term, will travel to Malone in round 1.
Newly-promoted Nenagh Ormond face a tough test in their opening Division 2A fixture as they face a Dungannon side freshly relegated from Division 1B.
Blackrock College, also relegated from the second tier, will make the short trip to NUIM Barnhall in the opening round. Both Skerries and Thomond won promotion to Division 2A last year and will face Old Wesley and Queen’s University respectively in round 1.
The two Limerick sides relegated from Division 2A last term, Bruff and Old Crescent, will start the 2014/15 campaign with home fixtures against Highfield and Armagh respectively.
After two seasons in junior rugby, Wanderers return to the Ulster Bank League and will host Sunday’s Well in their opening fixture. Fellow promoted side Kanturk – making their first steps as a senior club – are on the road to Navan first time out.
This website uses cookies.
Read More