All-Ireland League: With the World Cup finished, from an Irish perspective at least, the All-Ireland League can expect to receive an injection of quality players as a knock-on effect of the internationals returning to provincial level.

Paddy Wallace entered the fray at the weekend when he contributed Ballymena's vital equalising conversion, from the touchline, against Dolphin, to ensure the Ulster side's unbeaten record remained intact.

Playing in his more preferred outhalf slot, Wallace, who didn't get any game time in Australia, contributed a try and three conversions to the cause as the defending champions escaped from Cork with a 24-24 draw.

With the clock winding down Dolphin managed to cough up possession from a scrum, which resulted in Hugh Jones going over in the corner, and Wallace duly did the rest.

Ballymena may be able to hold onto their prized asset for at least a few more weeks, until Ulster coach Alan Solomons can find a way to cater for him alongside David Humphreys and the in-form full back Bryn Cunningham.

Elsewhere, Blackrock College picked up their second win of the campaign with a hard fought 13-10 victory over Clontarf at Stradbrook. With injury-prone Emmet Farrell absent, Conor Kilroy ably deputised at outhalf for the second successive week, while their openside, Kiwi Blair Baxter, deservedly picked up the man-of-the-match accolade.

Cork Constitution upped the pressure on league leaders Ballymena when they picked up a bonus point after crossing the try-line four times in their away victory against Galwegians.

Belfast Harlequins also added the extra points with a five-try haul in their win over Lansdowne. But it is Co Carlow who are taking the league by storm, as they now remain the only side with a 100 per cent record after hammering St Mary's at Oak Park, 36-6.