Strangely more hyped than we ever thought possible, the Leinster Schools draw took place in the salubrious confines of the House of Lords in Bank of Ireland on College Green, Dublin, last night.

In a live stream production to rival The Late Late Toy Show, Johnny Sexton, Jamie Heaslip and their lesser-known but equally heroic former schoolboy hero Noel Reid did the honours.

It was beamed around the world. Honest (sure you couldn’t make this up).

Favourites

Blackrock College are more impressive favourites than most years with safe passage to the quarter-final all but confirmed with an opening round meeting against one of the Vinnie Murray Cup finalists confirmed.

It's also worth noting they have sons of Brendan Mullin and Paul Dean (Gavin and Conor) returning to the side that was so impressively beaten by Cistercian College Roscrea last year.

Roscrea went on to win the competition for the first time in their history. The champions drew Kilkenny College in the first round of their first-ever defence.

Rivals

The other serious contenders in 2016 are Belvedere College, who drew Newbridge College, and Terenure College, who will meet neighbours St Mary's first up.

Meanwhile, 2012 champions St Michael’s face St Andrews.

These matches will take place between Sunday January 31st and Thursday February 4th at Donnybrook and surrounding provincial venues.

The matches in Donnybrook are expected to again be televised by Setanta Sports.