Today: (Kick-offs – 2.30pm) Division One A Blackrock v Garryowen Stradbrook

Three of last season’s winning SCT are included in the Blackrock squad. Brendan Macken and Andrew Conway, fresh from his try-scoring debut against UL Bohemian, are in the backline while flanker Jordi Murphy is on the bench. Garryowen are still without centre Alan Gaughan and scrumhalf Gerry Hurley so Irish under-20s number nine Conor Murray remains from the side that beat Shannon.

Verdict: Home win.

Clontarf v Dolphin

Castle Avenue

Clontarf will be desperate to atone for last week’s comprehensive defeat against St Mary’s with new director of rugby Bernard Jackman able to give his full attention to club matters as Leinster played last night.

Dolphin produced the shock of round one by beating local rivals Cork Constitution thanks to the boot of Barry Keeshan but victory in north Dublin looks slightly beyond their reach.

The encouraging progress of Dolphin tighthead Dave Ryan continues to be monitored by the Munster management.

Verdict: Home win.

Cork Constitution v UL Bohemian

Temple Hill

The UL Bohemian backrow, particularly Tommy O’Donnell, impressed in defeat to Blackrock last week as did fullback Danny Riordan’s kicking and counter attacking but Cork Constitution’s need to atone for defeat against Dolphin should see them get their season off the mark. However, they must plan without injured Munster Academy lock Ian Nagle.

Verdict: Home win.

Shannon v St Mary’s

Thomond Park

Shannon lock Fergal Walsh (rib cartilage) and prop Les Hogan are doubtful starters but the continued exclusion of Felix Jones by Munster is of benefit to Shannon and the AIB League.

St Mary’s laid down a marker against Clontarf last week but winning in Thomond Park is a different proposition. Outhalf Tadhg Bennett is expected to nudge Shannon to their first win.

Verdict: Home win.

Division One B

Ballynahinch v Galwegians, Ballymacarn Park; Buccaneers v Old Belvedere, Dubarry Park;

Dungannon v Young Munster, Stevenson Park;

UCC v Ballymena, Mardyke.

Division Two

Bective Rangers v Old Crescent, Donnybrook; Bruff v Lansdowne, Kilballyowen Park; Clonakilty v Belfast Harlequins, The Vale; DLSP v Malone, Kirwan Park; Greystones v UCD, Dr Hickey Park; Highfield v Old Wesley,Woodleigh Park; Terenure v Corinthians, Lakelands; Thomond v Dublin University, Fitzgerald Park.

Division Three

Banbridge v Instonians, Rifle Park; Barnhall v Rainey Old Boys, Parsonstown; Connemara v Ards, Monastery Field; Midleton v Queen’s University, Towns Park; Navan v Naas, Navan; Portadown v Nenagh Ormond, Chambers Park; Sunday’s Well v Wanderers, Musgrave Park; Suttonians v Co Carlow, JJ McDowell Memorial Grounds.