It’s crunch time in All Ireland Division 1A as the league returns for the final round of regular season action with must win games at the bottom. Shannon, Dublin University and UCD are all in encounters that will determine whether they remain in Division 1A next season.
Ballynahinch V Lansdowne, Sat 15th April, Ballymacarn Park, 2:30pm
In a mid-table clash, fifth place Ballynahinch host sixth spot Lansdowne as the visitors have the opportunity to leapfrog their opponents.
Last time out, Ballynahinch lost 26-10 away at Shannon while Lansdowne lost out 31-28 at home to league leaders Clontarf.
In the reverse fixture on the opening day, Ballynahinch edged Lansdowne on the Aviva Stadium back pitch in a 34-31 win.
Clontarf V UCD, Sat 15th April, Castle Avenue, 2:30pm
Top of the division Clontarf will be going into the playoffs fall of confidence but face a potential banana skin against a UCD side desperate for points.
Clontarf need a point to secure top spot while UCD lie just three points above a potential relegation playoff.
Clontarf edged Lansdowne last time out while UCD beat Dublin University 22-19.
When the two teams last met, Clontarf won 24-19 at Belfield on the opening day.
Dublin University V Garryowen, Sat 15th April, College Park, 2:30pm
The students come into the game just three points above the relegation zone knowing this game against already relegated bottom side Garryowen has to be a win.
Garryowen provided a major shock last time out beating Young Munster 28-22 to secure just their second win of the season, while Dublin Uni were edged by relegation rivals UCD.
The students ran out comfortable 50-14 winners at Dooradoyle in the latest meeting.
Terenure College V Shannon, Sat 15th April, Lakelands Park, 2:30pm
Second place Terenure College are five points off top spot but with a superior points difference will know it’s still attainable while Shannon, in ninth three points adrift, have to win to have any chance of survival.
Terenure lost 27-23 away at Cork Constitution last time out while Shannon gave themselves a lifeline with a 26-10 win over Ballynahinch.
When the two teams last met, Terenure were victorious 39-3.
Young Munster V Cork Constitution, Sat 15th April, Tom Clifford Park, 2:30pm
Both sides in fourth and third respectfully have their playoff spots wrapped up but will want momentum going into the postseason.
Young Munster will be desperate to get back to winning ways following their slip up against Garryowen while Cork Constitution beat Terenure College 27-23 last weekend.
Cork edged a tight game at Temple Hill 19-18 earlier in the season.
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.