Cashel keen to kick off in style

IT looks set to be a big season in the Munster Junior rugby scene, especially with the league winners guaranteed a place in next year’s All-Ireland League.

Most teams will be in good spirits, particularly those who moved up a league in the committee rooms over the close season with the expansion of the top divisions.

The first major provincial competitions commence this weekend with the first rounds of the Munster Junior Challenge Cup, Shield and Plate offering many enticing ties, most notably the all-Tipperary affair between Cashel and Clanwilliam.