Australians, as well as New Zealanders, are again expected to increase the tempo in Leinster circles this season. Conversely, Pembroke Wanderers, the defending champions, will be relying more on home produce as players such as Paddy Good and Byron Dunne graduate to the first XI while Justin Sherriff and Colin Kelly are taking time out in Australia.

Sherriff will play one league game, against YMCA at Serpentine Avenue tomorrow, before taking his three-month break. YM, captained by Peter Fox, have Stephen Barry back from Australia while two New Zealanders, Peter Long and Andrew Laking, come straight into the reckoning.

Monkstown, with Ian Stuart again at the helm, field a new striker from Victoria, Michael Trounce, as they start their campaign against the Irish Senior Cup holders Glenanne, for whom Devin Kehoe is due to return. Glenanne were well beaten by Pembroke in the Top Four final last weekend and may again take time to get motoring.

James Benson, one of the five Tasmanians retained by Corinthians, will captain the side, which has been joined by Ireland under-21 goalkeeper Charlie Henderson and will have Jonathan Cole as coach. Corinthians open their programme against Three Rock Rovers, for whom Ross Varian is the skipper. He welcomes Ross Harris back from Australia while Mark Henderson has returned from Railway Union and is joined by David Hanna and Graham Dowling from Avoca.

Avoca have also lost Cliff Bailey to Bray but have recruited a number of New Zealanders. Stephen Kinsella will be at the helm.