Banbridge Rugby Club - Northern Ireland

Banbridge are now competing in Division 2B of the Ulster Bank sponsored league following a reorganisation at the end of last season. And following the disappointment at Old Crescent on the last day of the season, when Bann lost out narrowly on promotion, the players and coaching staff are keen to get back into action.

Daniel Soper is in his second season of his second coaching tenure at Banbridge while Simon McKinstry continues into his third season as Club Captain, though an off season injury has delayed his return to action.

The new season has seen the welcome return of a number of familiar faces including Stephen Irvine, Claude Crawford, Craig Mulholland, and Colin Prime amongst others.  A number of new faces have come onboard including former Banbridge Academy pupil, wing forward Jamie MacDonald who joins having finished his studies in Cardiff; and fullback Brendan Ward who joins from Northland.

This season brings on the fresh challenge of four newly promoted teams, each earning All Ireland status as respective Provincial Qualifying League winners.  Banbridge have already faced last seasons Ulster Qualifying League winners Armagh losing by a 2 point margin last week in the Ulster League; while next week Bann face a long trip to Munster to face Cashel.  Boyne and Sligo also join the league as Leinster and Connacht Qualifying League winners.

This seasons fixture list will see Banbridge spend more time on the road than in previous season.  After Cashel, Banbridge make another three trips to Munster; twice to Cork City to face Highfield and Sundays Well; and to Tipperary to meet Nenagh Ormond.

The other big journey on the calendar is the ever popular trip to Clifden to take on Connemara.

Banbridge will have a total of 15 AIL matches over a period of seven months, but for now focus will remain firmly on Saturday and the opening task of Navan.

Kick off is at 2.30pm.