Match Preview

Bangor finished five points clear of the relegation zone in their first year back in the league. "The honeymoon period is over and we now know the challenges facing us," said captain Phil Whyte, whose side will certainly benefit from the addition of former Ulster and Connacht lock Lewis Stevenson as player-coach.

Tullamore are round 1 visitors to Upritchard Park and are another club with new coaches on board - John Burns and former Nenagh Ormond back rower Lemeki Vaipulu. The Offaly men will be doubly determined to gain promotion after losing last April's play-off final to Rainey.

Tullamore did the double on Bangor last season, winning 44-17 at home and 22-10 away to Jason Morgan's charges. Both teams are coming off heavy provincial league defeats to Greystones and Dungannon respectively, so it will be interesting to see who rebounds in better fettle this weekend.

(courtesy of IRFU)