PREVIEW: Six Limerick Clubs start their AIL campaigns this weekend

The All Ireland League season gets underway this weekend. The 2019/20 tournament is sponsored by new partner Energia and will see six Limerick Clubs compete across Divisions 1A – 2C.

Young Munster RFC will begin their AIL Division 1A campaign at home against Clontarf on Saturday. The ‘Cookies’ finished 7th in last years competition and will look to get off to a good start when they entertain last years runners up at Tom Clifford Park.

Meanwhile their Limerick rivals Garryowen RFC will travel to Temple Hill in Cork to face defending champions Cork Constitution. Garryowen will look to avenge their loss against the champions having been knocked out by them in the quarter-final stage of the Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Challenge Cup just two weeks ago on a scoreline of 9-7.

Shannon RFC will look to bounce back from a tough season in Division 1A last year which ended in relegation to Divison 1B. Thomond Park will stage their opener against Old Belvedere on Saturday afternoon.

A tasty Limerick derby awaits in Division 2A when UL Bohemian RFC take on Old Crescent RFC at the University of Limerick 4G. The pair will kick off the season when they play on Friday night under the bright lights in an 8 pm kick-off.

Bruff RFC will start their Divison 2C league campaign away at Judge’s Road on Saturday. The club that gave John “The Bull” Hayes his start in Rugby will look to improve on their 3rd place finish in the Division last season, when they play City of Derry on Saturday.

All-Ireland League Fixtures, Round 1 – Limerick Clubs

Friday, October 4th

UL Bohemian RFC v Old Crescent RFC, UL 4G, 8 pm.

Saturday, October 5th

Young Munster RFC v Clontarf FC, Tom Clifford Park, 2:30 pm.

Cork Constitution RFC v Garryowen FC, Temple Hill, 2:30 pm.

Shannon RFC v Old Belvedere RFC, Thomond Park, 2:30 pm.

City of Derry v Bruff RFC, Judge’s Road, 2:30 pm.