After a dramatic ending on the final day of the 2021/23 season, the Energia All-Ireland League Division 2B returns.

Greystones looked destined for promotion after leading at the summit of the table for the majority of the campaign but lost in heartbreaking fashion to Blackrock College in the promotion final.

Here’s all the information you need to know ahead of round one.

Belfast Harlequins v Sligo, Saturday October 1^st, Deramore Park, 2:30pm.

Belfast Harlequins ended up in second place in the league table last year, with 13 wins from their 18 fixtures. Quins then faced Blackrock College in the semi-final of the promotion playoff, who ended up being promoted to Division 2A.

A strong outfit, with an eye for the big occasions, Belfast Harlequins will be eager to push on from their performances last year and potentially be promoted this time around. Their opponents this weekend is Sligo. Sligo started the first half of the season in good form, beating some of the top teams along the way. During the second half of the campaign, things didn’t work out and they finished the season outside the all important top 4, in 6^th place.

Dungannon v Galwegians, Saturday October 1^st, Stevenson Park, 2:30pm.

Wegians survived a relegation scare last season, beating Ballina in the relegation playoff to maintain their Division 2B status. Improvements will be needed for the Crowley Park outfit this time around and face a trip to Dungannon during round one. Wins proved difficult for the Ulster side last time out, with just five coming in their 18 games. Three draws proved enough for Dungannon to seal a mid-table finish during the 2021/22 season.

Enniscorthy v Greystones, Saturday October 1^st, Alcast Park, 2:30pm

Enniscorthy were the only side in all five divisions that finished top of the table and ended up being promoted last year. A win over Skerries proved decisive and they entered Division 2B of the AIL for the first time. Their opening game of the campaign doesn’t get much tougher as they host Greystones. Stones set the pace for the rest of the sides last year, playing emphatically throughout the season. A late Matthew Dwan try for Blackrock College put an end to their Division 2A hopes, but they will be back with a point to prove this time around.

Galway Corinthians v Rainey Old Boys, Saturday October 1^st, Corinthian Park, 2:30pm

Galway Corinthians will be hoping to show their impressive form on a more consistent basis this time around, as they lost out to Greystones in the promotion play-off semi final last year. They welcome recently relegated Rainey Old Boys to Corinthian Park for their opening game of the AIL season.

Corinthians finished in fourth place last time around after 12 wins and a draw from their 18 games. Rainey Old Boys were relegated to Division 2B after a defeat to Nenagh Ormond in the relegation play-off.

Malahide v Wanderers, Saturday October 1^st, Estuary Road, 2:30pm

Malahide will be looking for a real change in form this year after an underwhelming 2021/22 season. The Estuary Road outfit ended the season in 8^th place after a disappointing first half of the campaign. Wanderers narrowly missed out on a place in the final four by just two points. The Chaps would have undoubtedly had a lot more wins during the season, if it wasn’t for a recurring theme of conceding late tries in the dying moments of tight games.