BLACKROCK:IRFU assurances that the new A competition will not impact on the clubs will be borne out by Blackrock's access to players as their backline are practically all Leinster Academy.

Des Dillon, winning 1998 Clongowes captain, is joined in the pack by former Terenure number eight Alex Dunlop, proving coaches Barry Gibney and Emmett Farrell are no longer reliant on the feeder school.

Mick Carroll further strengthens the backrow after returning from Racing Metro, Paris.

Key player: Des Dillon (lock)

Player to watch: Andrew Conway (fullback/wing)

ST MARY’S

Several St Mary’s men have turned professional – Ruairí Murphy, Matt Darcy, Conor McInerney (with the Ospreys) and Kevin Sheahan (in Italy) – but have been relatively covered with some decent recruitment, But they can forget about Jonny Sexton and Kevin McLoughlin due to their progress with Leinster.

Still, the nucleus remains solid, with Australian player coach Sean McCarthy pulling the strings at outhalf.

Key player: Hugh Hogan (backrow)

Player to watch: Darragh Fanning (wing)

SHANNON

Ireland A fullback at the Churchill Cup, Felix Jones, may yet break into the Munster 22 but in the meantime the defending champions look to have landed a serious attacker. For same see openside flanker Eoin Grace. Mossie Lawlor has returned from Wasps and is expected to operate at centre with all eyes on new 27-year -old coach Colm Tucker Junior.

Key player: Eoin Grace (flanker)

Player to watch: Felix Jones (fullback)

CORK CONSTITUTION

Former Munster manager Jerry Holland is the new director of rugby, overseeing the progress of son Billy along with a host of other Munster Academy recruits attracted from UCC. Despite a season of development they remain serious contenders, with Jeremy Manning – presuming Ronan O’Gara stays fit – pulling the strings, while Tom Gleeson should make an impact in midfield.

Timmy Ryan’s flight to Toulon means Stephen Archer gets a chance to anchor the scrum.

Key player: Jeremy Manning (outhalf)

Player to watch: Billy Holland (backrow)

CLONTARF

The Dublin standard-bearers in recent times have appointed Bernard Jackman as director of rugby. A familiar looking squad, with reliables like flanker Simon Crawford (brother of Meath footballer Nigel) and former Leinster tighthead prop Niall Treston should ensure they remain in the shake up.

Michael Cheika’s preference for other scrumhalves means Paul O’Donohoe is again operating at a level well below his ability.

Key player: Paul O'Donohoe (scrumhalf)

Player to watch: Killian Lett (centre)

GARRYOWEN

Hardly a club with a tradition of making up the numbers, Garryowen will be under pressure to maintain their consistent play-off record. Still, Alan Gaughan arrives from Buccaneers to give some penetration to midfield but the retirement of Conor Kilroy denies them a proven place-kicker. Mean backrow as usual.

Key player: Paul Neville (backrow)

Player to watch: Willie Staunton (outhalf)

DOLPHIN

What we know about Dolphin is James Coughlan guarantees hard yards and Barry Keeshan will kick the goals. The sight of a trimmed down Nick Williams finally making an impact for Munster is bad news for newly appointed Welsh coach Steve Ford.

Key player: James Coughlan (backrow)

Player to watch: Danny Barnes (wing/centre)

UL BOHEMIANS

All-Ireland under-20s champions these past two seasons, you may have spotted Tommy O’Donnell making a muscular impact for Munster recently, and the addition of Connacht’s Danny Riordan should strengthen their hand. Key player: Tommy O’Donnell (backrow)

Player to watch: Danny Riordan (fullback/centre)