Clontarf bring in Horan to front row

Suitably chastened by the weekend's events, Ballymena have delayed naming their team to take on Clontarf at Eaton Park on Saturday. The Ulster side's unexpected defeat to Old Crescent will not lead to wholesale change, but centre Michael Rainey, unavailable for the trip to Limerick, should return.

Hooker and captain Steven Ritchie, who retired injured last week with a twisted knee and bruised ankle after 50 minutes, and who failed to train on Monday, is expected to be fit.

The Dublin club make one change to the side that thrashed Lansdowne. Captain Bernard Jackman is unavailable because of exam commitments, so New Zealander Sean Horan takes his place in the front row.

Shannon are expected to be unchanged for their journey to Lansdowne Road. They will confirm their team later in the week following medical advice on sundry bumps and bruises. Second row Kevin Keane, who missed the St Mary's victory with an ear problem, is again unavailable.

Lansdowne badly need a fillip after the Clontarf game, and that may come with the expected return of Kurt McQuilkin and Leinster prop Angus McKeen.

Blackrock have dropped Leinster out-half Alan McGowan for the difficult trip to Young Munster. Former Irish schools international Owen Cobbe, who came on at half-time last week, retains the berth. There are two further alterations, with hooker Shane Byrne and prop Malcolm Cuffe restored to the front row in place of Peter Smyth and Paul Jordan respectively.

Munsters await medical reports on fullback Peter Boland (hamstring), wing James Carey (shin), prop Niall Hartigan (rib) and flanker Ger Earls (hamstring).

St Mary's make two changes to the side beaten by Shannon for the visit of Cork Constitution. Peter Coyle starts his first league game at tight-head. Karl Jennings returns to the back-row with Mark Reilly moving to the second row because of an injury to Frank Fitzgerald. Constitution have not decided upon the final composition of their team.

Old Crescent make one change to the side that shocked defeated Ballymena last week for their Limerick derby against Garryowen. Former Ireland Under-19 flanker Paul Neville comes in for Terry Browne.

Their opponents have injury concerns surrounding out-half Barry Everett (hamstring) and hooker Pat Humphreys (ankle). A decision on captain Hugh McDonnell will not be taken until later in the week.

Old Belvedere coach Stephen Dods is optimistic that centre Martin Ridge (back) and second row Kyran Martin (neck) will be available. Terenure have named two out-halves in Shane Cullen and Paul Hennebry, one of whom is set to be disappointed. Ciaran Clarke has recovered from the injury that saw him miss the Dolphin victory.

Dolphin expect to have number eight Steve Jackson and hooker Terry Kingston, both of whom shipped injuries, in their team to face Dungannon.

In Division Two, Buccaneers and Galwegians clash in a match that could decide the destination of the divisional title. Buccaneers did not play last week because of the tragic death of Michael Devine's brother, Cormac. Michael's participation this weekend is obviously in doubt. They expect to have prop Martin Whelehan available again after injury.Scotsman Jim Fleming, who has officiated in 29 Test matches, will referee the Heineken Cup final between Bath and Brive at Stade Lescure, Bordeaux on January 31st. His touch judges are David McHugh (Ireland) and Clayton Thomas (Wales).