Suttonians' state of readiness to resume their unbeaten record of last year in Division Three of the All-Ireland League entails the introduction of a new face to the front row in their opening game against NIFC at Ormeau. The only team to hold a pristine record, having won all their Division Four matches last year, Suttonians bring in English prop Meirion Davies to a team that waltzed through to take the title straight from the junior ranks. They are joined this year by Ballynahinch, who also did enough in one year to merit quick promotion from junior rugby via division four.
The Dublin side, however, must do without Stephen Dods who has retired to coach Old Belvedere, Robert O'Loughlin (Wanderers) and Paul Meegan, who has emigrated but are confident of fielding a side equally as strong as last year's group.
Ballynahinch, who face Corinthians at Ballymacaran Park, introduce South African Hannes Aucamp at out-half with loose head Brian Reid coming in from CIYMS for two important changes. The Co Down club, however, must do without the kicking expertise of Phillip Gregg who retired at the end of the season. Gregg held the highest average of last season's kickers with 11 points per game.
The Trinity students face a difficult first game against Portadown, who begin the campaign with a strong line up. Introducing New Zealander Scott Ennis for his first AIL game, Portadown must, however, start without former Queens players Bertie Styles and Neil McClusky, who are both injured.
Queens, another of the three student teams in the division along with UCD, face the Galway students in a Dudley Cup match at Upper Malone. With nine new positions to be filled from last season Queens, this week at least, will avoid the expected pressure from the more doughty AIL sides.
Division Four will again experience the strength of junior rugby, as Carlow and Omagh enter the fray. Carlow, particularly have been mightily impressive in their run to the semi-finals of the Kitty O'Shea League. It took Lansdowne to put them to the sword in the end.
Their opponents CIYMS will also be aware that the Towns Cup winners for five years out of the last six can grind down opponents up front and get a back line moving. Carlow like it to be known that they are not a one dimensional side.
All eyes will be on the Town side as well as on the other new comers Omagh Academicals, who travel to Creggs in Galway for their first fixture. Omagh have had mixed success in the Ulster Championship, having won four matches so far against Portadown, Ards, Queens and Bangor from nine played.
Like Carlow, their horizons will reach beyond Division Four. Outhalf John Smyth arrives from Napier University in Scotland as a replacement for Alan Duncan while Glen Kyle lines out on the wing, a graduate of local junior club Clougher Valley RFC.
Limerick club Richmond will look to their New Zealand acquisition at number eight to provide some drive in the pack against Bangor. Matthew Te Pau, a maori All Black from Kings Country, comes in as their overseas player for their opener against the Northern side at Canal Bank.
