2008 champions Belvedere College sent out a message of intent in Balbriggan yesterday afternoon, as first-half tries by Adam Foy and Josh Hutchinson provided the foundations for a comprehensive 28-3 opening round victory over Wesley College.

Shannon’s survival hopes have been boosted for today’s must-win clash with Young Munster at Clifford Park with news that Munster and Ireland prop Marcus Horan is available.

St Andrew’s claimed their fourth All-Ireland Schoolboys title, their experience proving too much for Wesley College in yesterday’s final at Lisnagarvey.

LAST week we had a perfect example of how this country works.

Shannon have started the new Ulster Bank League season with a marginal win over Dolphin today.

SIXTEEN Irish schools will take part in a rugby tournament in Gloucester that the organisers hope will become a truly international event.

THE scene is set for a grandstand climax to the AIB League as high rollers Cork Constitution, St. Mary’s, Shannon, Dolphin as well as Garryowen and Blackrock continue to slug it out over three more weekends.

Leinster wing Michael Keating comes back into the Clontarf side as they go toe-to-toe with Shannon in the AIL at Castle Avenue on Saturday.

Old Wesley have signed former UCD captain Michael Hastings to give them leadership and penetration through their midfield as they return to Division Two in the All-Ireland League.

Corinthians 12 Old Wesley 30

CORK CONSTITUTION coach Brian Walsh insists Ballymena will be anything but cannon fodder as his side look to win a desperately tight race for a semi-final playoff place in the AIB All-Ireland League.

Ards 14 Old Wesley 13

THE AIB All-Ireland League moves closer to a conclusion but the main battles are still not over.

The Junior Cup semi-finals have been announced.