Ulster Bank League Kicks Off Live On Irish Rugby TV

The action kicks off with a ‘Friday Night Lights’ opener at Thomond Park – Irish Rugby TV will be there to stream the game live as local rivals Shannon and Young Munster begin their challenge for the Ulster Bank League trophy.

Former Shannon, Munster and Ireland star Alan Quinlan will be joining the regular Irish Rugby TV commentary team for the game which can be seen live on www.irishrugby.ie.

There are also Friday Night Lights games at Dooradoyle, Anglesea Road and Gibson Park this week.

Speaking at the launch at Thomond Park yesterday, Hugh McGrath of Young Munster said: “We are really looking forward to the Ulster Bank League season kicking off. Our early season has gone well and while we have some new faces in the squad, we are hoping to challenge everyone this season.”

Shannon’s Duncan Casey commented: “Playing Young Munster, it is always a big game and when it is the season opener and under lights at Thomond Park that just makes it even more special. It should be a great game.”

Keith Darcy from sponsors Ulster Bank added: “As Ulster Bank enters its third season as the Official Community Rugby Partner to the IRFU, we look forward with great excitement to the Ulster Bank League, where teams all over the country prepare to battle for the top honours in the club calendar.

“The IRFU has lined up a mouth-watering series of Friday Night Light matches to kickstart the league and we wish all clubs the very best of luck for the season ahead.”

Scott Walker, IRFU Director of Rugby Development and the Club Game, said: “Last season was a really exciting one in the Ulster Bank League with promotions and relegations going right to the wire across the divisions.

“Friday Night Lights has proved a success and we are delighted to see more clubs adopting and adapting to it. The community game is as important as ever and as we look at our Strategic Plan, the league will be a vital part of that.”

Follow the Ulster Bank League on Twitter – search #UBL