The RWC may have captured the attention of many rugby supporters in Ulster. For the Domestic rugby clubs their focus is on the next fixture and securing valuable league points or progressing to the next round of the Cup. With a full All Ireland league programme this weekend and the first round of the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup there will be plenty of competitive action for the supporters who commit to and support their local community rugby club. It is the commitment of coaches and players along with the many volunteers that will secure the future of grassroots rugby in this province.

The All Ireland league tables make encouraging reading as the Ulster AIL clubs make a positive start to their league campaigns. We had seven teams winning last Sat with Armagh losing to a last minute penalty at Greystones 17 - 16. There were surprising home defeats for Ballynahinch against UCD and Belfast Harlequins against UL Bohemians. Both clubs are still seeking their first win after the opening two weekends.

The first round of the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup takes place this weekend. Instonians are the current holders after defeating Omagh in an enthralling Cup final at the Kingspan stadium last December. With nine ties down for decision where will we witness an upset. We have a County Antrim derby involving Carrickfergus and Larne in the first of back to back fixtures involving these clubs in the Cup and League. Last season's finalists Omagh face a tricky trip to play an inform Banbridge seconds team at Rifle Park.

The Conference league. There were mixed views when this league was proposed. It is generally accepted that the league has enabled clubs to use these fixtures to develop strength within their playing squads. One area that is raising concern is the rule prohibiting bench replacements in the conference league. What we are witnessing is teams completing games with 12/13 players. There is also the issue of players remaining on the field with injuries when they should be replaced. Rugby at whatever level it is played continues to provide the same physical risks that lead to injuries irrespective of the level you play at. Maybe it is an issue that can be revisited by the Ulster Branch.

Speaking to Graham Cloke, Head coach at Donaghadee rugby club. He informed me that both him and Gary Longwell Head coach at Randalstown are assisting Mark Henderson with the coaching of the Ulster University of Jordanstown rugby team. The team secured promotion to Division 1B of the All Ireland Colleges league this season. They will play 5/6 matches against other colleges from Dublin, Cork, Linerick and Galway. The team train at Jordanstown on a Monday night between 5.30 and 7.30pm. On a Wednesday they either train or play matches. If any students are interested they can contact Mark Henderson at UUJ.

Such is the interest in club rugby - technology is playing an ever increasing role in connecting and engaging supporters. Twitter updates along with team selections published online facilitate supporters who are unable to attend matches. There is the opportunity for clubs to attract new supporters in using technology to promote their sport. The publication of match reports and events taking place within your club provide that opportunity. The clubs that maximise the opportunities to attract new supporters are the clubs that will continue to grow.

Ulster Bank All Ireland League
Division 1 A
Ballynahinch v Clontarf
Head coach Derek Suffern made nine changes to his playing squad after their opening AIL defeat at Garryowen. The result was a humiliating 47 - 13 home defeat to UCD on Saturday. Last season Ballymacarn Park was turned into a fortress by the 1st XV. Conceding seven tries at home will have sent shockwaves through the club, coaches, players and supporters. Despite their daunting trip to Dublin this weekend to play undefeated Clontarf - expect a reaction from the Ballynahinch players. Ulster have released nine players to Ballynahinch including David Busby, Paul Rowley, Conor Joyce, John Donnan, Craig Trenier, Jonny Murphy, Ruairdri Murphy, Kyle McCall and Lorcan Dow. Changes include Adam Craig starting at full back. A new centre pairing of Robin Harte and Will Stewart. Richard Reaney moves from centre to out half with Paul Rowley starting at scrum half. Mike Graham moves from second row to number 8 along with Conor Joyce at 6. James Simpson joins John Donnan in the second row with Ruairdhi Murphy replacing Kelvin Hamilton at prop. Kyle McCall, Andrew Harper, James McBriar, David McIIwaine and Lorcan Dow start on the bench. Captain Paul Pritchard has the task to lift his players. This is a must win game for the Hinch if they want to contest the season ending playoffs.

Lansdowne v Terenure College. Played Friday 25.9.15. Kick off 7.30pm
Clontarf v Ballynahinch
Garryowen v Cork Constitution
Old Belvedere v Galwegians
UCD v Young Munster

Division 1B
Ballymena v Dublin Uni
Five tries by Ballymena in a storming second half performance in Cork ensured a convincing 37 - -10 win over Dolphin. Head coach Andy Graham has instilled a belief in his players of what it means to play for the 1st XV and the pride the players should have in playing for Ballymena rugby club. With the release by Ulster of eight players and the return of his under 20 players from inter provincial duty the coach will use the opportunity to rest some players. He rests flanker Matthew Harkness this weekend who has played every minute of every match this season along with scrum half John Creighton who sits on the bench. Both centre Martin Irwin and winger Jordan Foster are unavailable. Injury continues to rule out Captain Willy McKay, Stephen Mulholland and Paddy James. Ulster Academy prop Michael Lagan is a doubt with a calf injury. Ulster winger Jack Owens has been ruled out for the season after picking up a serious injury in a pre season friendly for Ulster. Clive Ross will replace Matthew Harkness. John Andrews will start at hooker. Alan O'Connor will continue in the second row alongside David Whann. Ross Kane started at tight head and had to move to loose head in Cork after twenty minutes due to Michael Lagan having to leave the pitch with an injury to be replaced by Chris Cundell. The replacement prop went on to have an outstanding game and has secured a place on the bench for the visit of the students. Glenn Baillie performed well alongside Callum Patterson against Dolphin in the absence of Marty Irwin. He makes way for Ulster under 20 centre Kieran Joyce. Ulster under 20 Captain and hooker Adam McBurney will take his place on the bench. Ulster pivot David Shanahan starts at scrum half. Another of the Ulster under 20s Jonny Rossborough will replace Jordan Foster on the wing with the experienced Bryan Young playing at loose head. The transformation in the fortunes of Ballymena 1st XV were summed up by Head coach Andy Graham who took over the reins at Eaton Park two years ago. The heads of players were down. It was backs to the wall. You had to play on and build on it and stand by the club. The same squad of players who were relegated from Div 1 B at the end of 2012/13 are now the backbone of the 1st xv. They secured promotion from Div 2 A in 2013/14 to Div 1 B and narrowly missed out on promotion to Div 1 A last season. Once again they are one of the favourites to move up to Div 1A next season. The club continue to add quality players to their playing squad with the new players buying into the Ballymena rugby culture. The coach knows the students from Trinity are are an unknown quantity and will provide stiff opposition for his team on Sat.

Belfast Harlequins v Old Wesley
There was obvious disappointment amongst the coaching staff in the performance of the team against visitors UL Bohemians. After a stirring performance at Ballymena complacency was a key factor in underestimating their opponents at Deramore Park on Sat. Despite a 20 - 6 deficit Quins almost snatched victory with centre Mark Best scoring two late tries as they came up short by two points. In this highly competitive league valuable home league points have to be secured. Captain Neil McComb will need all his experience to turn around their opening two defeats when they visit high flying Old Wesley at Donnybrook this weekend. Head coach Adam Larkin has much work to do to tighten up the Quins defence.

Buccaneers v Blackrock College
St Mary's College v Shannon
UL Bohemians v Dolphin
Old Wesley v Belfast Harlequins

Division 2 A
Malone v Galway Corinthians
Can the Gibson Park side build on their outstanding performance at Naas to turn around a 31 - 14 HT deficit to win 40 - 34. Points are crucial as Ulster neighbours Queens and Banbridge top the league after two wins. Captain Neil Alcorn is unavailable and will be replaced by second row forward James McAllister. Richard Millar returns from injury to take his place alongside Cory Tipping in the second row. Prop Gary Crawford returns from injury to take his place on the bench alongside Daryl Maxwell and Max Porter.

Queens Uni v Nenagh Ormond
The students face a daunting trip to Munster to play Nenagh in their first AIL league match. Key players Jonny Craig and Damon Hall picked up serious injuries against Thomond at the Dub last Sat. They will join an already mounting injury list that includes Andrew Clingan, Conor Shiels and Stuart McIIwaine. Second row Nigel Simpson has returned to training and will be managed by Head coach Bob Young before he makes himself available for selection. On the positive side the performance of props Brian Cunningham and Jordan Southway has been key to creating a platform for their talented back five of Marc Campbell and Alex Thompson in the second row and Captain Josh Atkinson and his back row partners Nick Timoney and Paddy Marks.Full back Jack Milligan along with winger Mark Gordon made a try scoring debut for the students as they made it back to back wins in the AIL. The completion of the Ulster Under 19/ 20 inter provincial matches will see the release of several players to add depth to the playing squad available to the coaches.

Banbridge v Thomond
Head coach Daniel Soper is aware that his side face their most difficult assignment this weekend when they travel to Limerick. Two wins have set the tempo for this talented squad. Back row forward Dale Carson is unavailable and is replaced by a Richard Graham after impressing off the bench last week. Ulster under 20 player Ethan Harbinson takes his place on the bench to be joined by Jonny Graham returning from injury. Back row forward Nico Vorster remains unavailable for another two weeks.
Naas v UCC
Nenagh Ormond v Queens Uni
Skerries v Cashel
Thomond v Banbridge

Division 2 B
Rainey OB v Bective
Two wins from two have boosted the ambitions of the Magherfelt club this season. Captain Jodie McMurray led the way last Sat scoring three tries against Barnhall. Fullback Josh McIIroy continues his good form converting five kicks. Influential second row Timothy Barker put in an outstanding performance against Barnhall and is unavailable for the trip to Dublin on Sat as he sits his Accountancy exams. Rainey will welcome back Ulster under 20 players Ronan McCusker and Andrew Shaw as they go in search of their third consecutive win. New Kiwi recruit Ayden Pittman is expected to make his debut at 10. One of the pleasing aspects for Head coach John Andrews is strength in depth the club is developing as the seconds pursue league honours in Junior One this season.

Armagh v Highfield
There was disappointment for Armagh Head coach Alex McCloy and his players as they suffered a heart breaking last minute 17 - 16 defeat away to Greystones on Sat. Having held on to defeat their near neighbours Dungannon 21 - 20 the previous week the agony and ecstasy of playing AIL rugby once again was experienced by the Armagh players. They know only to well they slipped up at home to lose matches by narrow margins last season. They will not want a repeat this weekend. The coaches have made several changes with John Faloon returning on the wing and Ulster under 20 star Matthew Hooks starting in the centre. Ulster under 19 second row Joshua McKinlay starts in the second row with Simon Carlile and Richard Morton taking their place in the front row. Jack Sleator, Josh Morton and Matty Clarke take their place on the bench.

Dungannon v Greystones
What a transformation in the fortunes of this proud Tyrone and Ulster club. They will be seeking back to back wins against the conquerors of Armagh last Sat Greystones when they visit Stevenson Park. Head coach Andy Hughes will retain the same team with full back Paul Armstrong displaying his accuracy of the kicking tee as he converted seven penalties in their 28 - 15 win over Seapoint. Captain and number 8 James McMahon has shown tremendous leadership qualities in this much improved team.

City of Derry v Sunday's Well
The North West side sit top of their league with maximum points from their opening two games. They have scored seventy two points and conceded thirty seven scoring nine tries. Out half Neil Burns contributed twenty five points in their 40 - 17 win over Bective at Judges Road last Sat. In their last three matches the Derry backs have scored twelve tries with winger Neil Brown and centre David Graham scoring in each game. Sunday's Well have lost both their opening games. Head coach Terry McMaster will ensure there is no complacency amongst his players as they look to continue their winning run.

Bective Rangers v Rainey OB
Armagh v Highfield
Dungannon v Greystones
Seapoint v M U Barnhall
Sunday's Well v City of Derry

Division 2 C
Boyne v Sligo
Dundalk v Tullamore
Kanturk v Old Crescent
Midleton v Wanderers
Navan v Bruff

Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup

Ballyclare v Ards
Despite opening up a twelve point lead - Ards went on to concede forty five unanswered points as they suffered a heavy defeat at Ballyclare. Head coach David Irwin will look to address the indiscipline in his team that resulted in the referee issuing five yellow cards and his team conceding six tries. Ballyclare coach Mike McKeever will be forced to make changes due to unavailabilities and injuries. He has strength in depth at his disposal and will expect his players to seek maximum points from this return fixture with Ards. He is also aiming for consistency to build momentum in his playing squad.

Ballymoney v Portadown
Interesting contest this one. Ballymoney defeated Portadown in a pre season friendly at Kilraughts Road. For Richard Hedley and his playing squad their quest for silverware has eluded them for several seasons. Having assembled one of their strongest playing squads in recent years there is a real belief this could be their season. Ballymoney will be difficult opponents despite losing league games at home to Enniskillen and Randalstown. Portadown include forwards Dairmuid O'Kane, Robert Reid and Mal Allister this weekend. Coach Richard Hedley has been pleased with the numbers attending training. This has been reflected in the performance of the second xv who remain undefeated with players challenging for 1st xv places.
Ballymoney Head coach James Carson makes a number of changes with second xv players stepping up including Joel Heggarty at hooker and Matthew Blair partnering his brother Russell in the second row. Adam Smith returns to provide front row cover alongside Matthew Pollock. Injuries continue to rule out the experienced Jonny Hanna, Neal Mulholland and James Cleland.

Banbridge seconds v Omagh
Another intriguing contest at Rifle Park. On paper you would expect a win for Omagh. They slipped up against Armagh seconds in the Towns Cup last season. Omagh having secured promotion to Q 1 this season have struggled to adapt to life in Q 1 after a heavy defeat at Instonians. They put forty five points on a depleted Belfast Harlequins seconds last Sat after the Belfast side were reduced to thirteen players early in the first half. A further injury ensured the match was blown up early in the second half. Head coach Philip Marshall will be looking for an improved performance and win before they resume league action. One major headache for the coach has been the loss of loose head prop Steven Lyons who has been ruled out for six weeks to be replaced by the versatile Mervyn Edgar. Second row Jamie Sproule misses out due to a freak injury to be replaced by James Catterson. Banbridge Head coach Daniel Soper is pleased with the performance of his second xv as they defeated Coleraine 1st xv 43 - 16 in the Conference league last Sat. The team is a mix of young and upcoming players including former under 18s Jason Gribben, Josh Cromie, Ross Haughey, and Andrew Jackson along with experienced AIL players Paul Ross, Robin Thompson and Stevie Cowan. Will we see an upset in this match.

Carrickfergus v Larne
Both teams scored fifteen tries between last weekend. Carrick six tries in their 40 - 28 win at Grosvenor and Larne who scored nine in their 57 - 19 home win over Academy. This is the first match in back to back games involving these two teams in the Cup and league. Larne coach Ryan Milligan will make a couple of changes with injury ruling out centre Ian McIheron. Winger Rhys Thomas is unavailable. Hooker Craig Gibson returns to the front row. Captain and scrum half Ryan Garrett will be a key player for Larne along with number 8 Eddie Hunter. Carrick coach Neil Hanna has a full squad to select from for this match. After winning two of their opening three league matches this will be a testing fixture for this young Larne team. Expect a large crowd at the Tom Simms Memorial Park for this appetising fixture.

Cooke v Ballynahinch seconds
Can Head coach Colin Atkinson pick up his players after two opening league defeats against Ballyclare and Portadown. Injuries continue to impact on his selection with Liam Bennett, Philip Cartmill and Andy Pollock ruled out. He brings in Toby Mannus, Jonny McClune and Daniel Dawson. Cooke have already recorded a 29 - 20 win over Hinch seconds on the opening day of the season at Shaws bridge. Cup competitions are the goal of Ballynahinch seconds each season. Expect coach Chris Parker to have a strong squad at his disposal for Sat with plenty of AIL experience.

Donaghadee v Academy
The Dee have been quietly building a 1st xv after relegation last season to Q 2. Under the guidance of new Head coach Graham Cloke and his assistants John West and Strength and Conditioning coach Paddy McGratton they have completed their four match conference league programme taking a maximum nineteen points from twenty. Saturday's match will give the coaches some idea where the team are with their first league match coming up against Grosvenor on Saturday week. For the coaches it has all been about performance and getting the players competition ready. After four months hard work that started in June the team is looking more solid with the player positions and combinations taking shape. Once again key players Jack Cooke, Richard Martindale, Chris Good and Chris Hamilton will have a vital role in moving the team forward. They will have experienced players including Gareth Gordon, Paul Blewitt and Billy Allen along with Captain Nigel Barker to guide the younger players in the squad. Players including Matthew Kennedy, Andy Todd, Richard Bailey, Chris McGivern, Jonny Quigg, Gareth Deering, Mark Cooper, Matthew Johnston, Adam Torrens and Tommy Scullion are very much the future of Donaghadee rugby club. University commitments will limit playing opportunities for players including Owen Roberts, Ryan Irvine, Matthew Stockton and Max Montgomery. One new face to Donaldson Park is the addition of South African Bluebulls under 19 scrum half Chade Gelderman in the close season. Coach Graham Cloke will be missing Jack Cooke, Andy Todd and Chris Good this weekend. They will be replaced Matthew Kennedy, Gareth Deering and Richard Bailey. New prop Matt Brown will provide additional cover in the front row. Academy coach Gareth Lynn has experienced a difficult start to the season. His team remain without a win. They have been shipping a lot of points in recent matches. The talent is there within the squad as demonstrated by the scoring of six tries in their last two league matches.

Enniskillen v Grosvenor
The intention of Head coach Norman Richmond is to turn Mullaghmeen into a fortress this season. Former Skins coach Alasdair McKee will have been impressed by how his apprentice has turned Enniskillen into a team that can pursue league and Cup honours. He will know his Grosvenor team will have to be at the top of their game to win this match. One encouraging sign has been the performances of the 1st xv in the league where they suffered narrow defeats to Ballymoney and Carrickfergus. Enniskillen are at full strength for this cup tie with the exciting Adam Lendrum continuing to hold on to the ten jersey. Grosvenor welcome back forwards Andrew Kelly and John Lutton with Dom Griffiths making his debut in the back row. Peter Davison returns at centre.

Malone seconds v Ballymena seconds
The departure of so many players from Malone has depleted coach Sam McBurney of his playing resources and their ability to be both competitive in the league and Cup competitions this season. Ballymena have so much strength in depth that they will be able to send a strong team to Gibson Park on Sat with players looking to impress the coaches for inclusion in the first xv squad.

Randalstown v Lisburn
Both these sides have already met in the league at Blaris on the opening day with Randalstown recording a 17 - 6 win. Lisburn under new Head coach Neil Hinds have been looking to the conference league fixtures to put together a competitive first xv. According to 1st xv manager Michael Knowles the team is starting to take shape. The coaches have been pleased with performances in recent weeks. They have welcomed back Tom Fraser, Andrew Gilmore and Falemaka Vaue to the first team. Injuries will determine their team selection for the trip to Nelisbrook Park on Sat. There is a buzz at the top end of the M 2 as Randalstown sit proudly at the top of Q 2. The coaches Gary Longwell and Alastair Strange deserve great credit for what they have achieved with this playing squad. Twelve of the Seventeen man playing squad that played against Ballymoney last Sat have come through the clubs successful Youth structure. Current Ulster under 20 Captain and Ulster Academy member Adam McBurney came through the clubs Youth structure. He is now playing his rugby for a Ballymena in the AIL. Two other members of the first team squad Shane McBurney and David Smith have already played under age representative rugby for Ulster. The second xv are finding the step up to Junior 3 difficult after securing promotion last season. Twelve of the team are under 23 years. Training nights are seeing 30/40 players turning out regularly. The coaches feel the 1st xv are still not performing at their best. Big match for both teams on Sat as they position themselves for the season ahead.

Ballyclare v Ards
Ballymoney v Portadown
Banbridge seconds v Omagh
Carrickfergus v Larne
Cooke v Ballynahinch seconds
Donaghadee v Academy
Enniskillen v Grosvenor
Malone seconds v Ballymena seconds
Randalstown v Lisburn
Bye
Coleraine
CIYMS
Belfast Harlequins seconds
The four All Ireland Junior Cup qualifiers were given a bye in the first round.
Instonians
Clogher Valley
Bangor
Dromore

City of Derry seconds, Armagh seconds, Rainey OB seconds, City of Derry seconds and Dungannon seconds did not enter the Junior Cup.

Qualifying Three
BHSFP v Lurgan
Holywood v UUC
Limavady v Letterkenny
Newry v Civil Service
Ophir v PSNI
Strabane v Monaghan