New rivalries to tackle in Irish club rugby’s new normal

Garryowen, Cork Constitution, and Young Munster head up the eight-team Munster Conference 1

Garryowen's lineout and skills coach Mike Sherry is delighted that they have adapted to ‘new normal’.

Highfield and Garryowen, two of the most ambitious clubs in Munster, will face off this afternoon at Woodleigh Park in a potentially explosive start to the inaugural Energia Community Series.

Had the Covid-19 pandemic not struck, Garryowen might have been kicking off the new season as defending Energia All-Ireland League champions, while Highfield — nine points clear in Division 1B with four rounds remaining — were cruelly denied the chance to join them in the top flight.