Blackrock look strong

This season offers the last chance for large-scale promotion to AIB League Division One, and it is against this backdrop that the 15 clubs in Division Two vie for one of five possible places amongst the elite next season.

Saturday signals the beginning of hostilities, and as many as nine clubs will entertain serious aspirations of securing one of the four automatic promotion places: the fifth may be won in a two-legged play-off with the club which finishes bottom of Division One.

Blackrock College and Galwegians, relegated last season, are strong contenders for an immediate return to the top table. Blackrock managed to keep a firm grasp of their talented young players, despite the setback of relegation, and they recruited aggressively.

Ireland centre Brian O'Driscoll is a huge acquisition (international and provincial commitments permitting). James Ferris has been signed from Leicester and should start as scrum-half.

Blackrock's scrummaging still looks a little suspect and Gary Halpin's experience and ability will be desperately needed on some of the heavier days. Kevin West has several outstanding young players and should be able to mould that ability into an entertaining, successful package.

For Galwegians, New Zealand-born second row Mark McConnell, Irish wing Matt Mostyn, Young Munster full back Peter Boland and young scrum-half David Mescal are high-profile acquisitions. They already boast a strong pack and an exceptional back-line by Division Two standards, including Eric Elwood, Mervyn Murphy, Pat Duignan and Nigel Carolan.

Belfast Harlequins, the amalgamation of the CIYMS and Collegians clubs, could enjoy an auspicious debut season, culminating in promotion. Three members of Ulster's European Cup winning team - Andy Park, Sheldon Coulter and Andy Matchett - have switched from Ballymena, while the Belfast club also welcome inter-provincials Simon Best, Spencer Bromley and Niall Malone.

Old Crescent, under South African coach Andre Humaine, should go up, while City of Derry, Old Belvedere, Bective Rangers, Wanderers and Sunday's Well cannot be discounted.