Following a two-week break for the Six Nations final games, All Ireland Division 1A is back this weekend with a full fixture list with the title and relegation battles heating up.
Just a point separates the top two – Clontarf and Terenure College, while just seven point separates ninth place Shannon from sixth spot Dublin University with just three games to go until the playoffs.
Clontarf V Ballynahinch, Sat 25th March, Castle Avenue, 2:30pm
League leaders Clontarf have only tasted defeat three times in their 15 games this season and face a mid-table Ballynahinch side that were blown away 28-3 on their own patch in the reverse fixture.
Last time out Clontarf made it four wins on the bounce with a 33-3 victory over Shannon while Ballynahinch beat Dublin University 36-15 in an impressive display.
The visitors need a win to strengthen their chances of reaching the final playoff spot (fourth) as they currently trail Young Munster by five points.
Cork Constitution V Shannon, Sat 25th March, Temple Hill 2:30pm
Third place Cork Constitution were victorious 29-21 last time out away at Garryowen but now face a Shannon side fighting for their lives at the wrong end of the table.
The home side will be hoping to hold onto their third place position but Shannon know every game is a must win if they are to avoid a relegation playoff.
Last time out, Shannon fell to a 33-3 loss to Clontarf which compounded them to their tenth loss of the season.
Dublin University V Lansdowne, Sat 25th March, College Park, 2:30pm
Despite being in sixth and seventh, neither side can afford to take their foot off the gas as the threat of relegation still looms, with Shannon trailing the visitors by just three points and the students by seven.
Dublin University fell to a 36-15 defeat to Ballynahinch last time out while Lansdowne were also beaten – 15-10 at home to Young Munster.
Terenure College V Garryowen, Sat 25th March, Lakelands Park, 2:30pm
Second place Terenure College are hot on the heels of leaders Clontarf and will look to secure maximum points against an already relegated Garryowen side.
The visitors have picked up just one win all season and come into Saturday’s difficult game off the back of a 29-21 loss to Cork Constitution.
Terenure College secured an impressive 32-10 away victory over UCD before the break.
Young Munster V UCD, Sat 25th March, Tom Clifford Park, 2:30pm
Fourth place Young Munster will be hoping to secure a win to boost their playoff hopes while UCD are also desperate for points just three points clear of the relegation places.
Young Munster beat Lansdowne 15-10 last time out to secure back-to-back wins while UCD fell to a 32-10 defeat at home to Terenure College that ended a run of three consecutive wins.
Ben Jaycock
I am a Sports Journalism & PR graduate from Staffordshire University. During my time at Final Whistle, I have covered the LOI National League, international games and the Women’s National League. Outside of Final Whistle, I am a researcher for World Rugby and a writer for The Rugby Paper.