Leinster's BANDI Cup Opponents

“British & Irish Cup” is too cumbersome to say every time and when you say “B&I Cup” it sounds like the tournament is sponsored by a ferry company that has long since changed its name, (in actual fact they still haven’t managed to find a sponsor going into their fourth year) so I choose to call it the “BANDI” (saying it as a full word to rhyme with “candy”) Cup.

 

There's an argument often made in Irish rugby circles that the provinces shouldn't be putting teams into this competition, instead it should be the top clubs from the All Ireland League. I see the case for this but to be honest I feel it may be more trouble than it's worth for the St Mary's and the Young Munsters of this world to go up against RFU Championship teams that are bound to hammer them into pulp.

 

By sending the provincial A teams not only do the coaches have a chance to see their possibles play competitive rugby but also we have a fair chance of some silverware on these shores, as Munster proved last season defeating Cross Keys in the final and of course Leinster at the RDS in the extra-time semifinal thriller.

 

The competition has expanded this season to allow for 32 teams and now the games will be played on the same weekends as Heineken/Amlin so the Irish provinces will be forced to put out “real” A sides rather than have the odd crossover as they have had in the past. The expansion has allowed Connacht to include a team, which they have called the Eagles, and no doubt this will help the continued rejuvenation of rugby in the province.

 

2012-13 British & Irish Cup – Pools (winners advance to quarterfinals)

Pool 1 - Bristol Rugby, Bridgend Ravens, Cardiff, Ulster
Pool 2 - Bedford Blues, Bedwas, Neath, Stirling County
Pool 3 - Carmarthen Quins, Dundee HSFP, Cornish Pirates, Swansea
Pool 4 - Connacht, Cross Keys, Newcastle Falcons, Newport
Pool 5 - Jersey, Leeds Carnegie, Leinster, Pontypridd
Pool 6 - Gala, Llanelli, London Scottish, Moseley
Pool 7 - Aberavon, Munster, Plymouth Albion, Rotherham Titans
Pool 8 - Doncaster Knights, Llandovery, Melrose, Nottingham Rugby

Here's some brief info on the clubs my beloved Leinster must face...not the easiest draw we've ever had, since one has played in the Premiership while the other two topped their leagues last season...

 

LEEDS CARNEGIE (H Oct 12/13/14, A Sat Jan 19, 3pm)

 

No doubt Tom Denton raised a smile when he saw this draw. He has just completed a move from Leeds to the RDS, now he is likely to face them within a few months. Leeds finished 6^th in the 12-team Championship in the regular season last year, and came within two points of the Cornish Pirates in their play-off pool. They have been something of a “yo-yo” side from Premiership to Championship for the past decade or so and used to be known as Leeds Tykes. Club captain is hooker Andy Titterell, who has 5 England caps and was a surprise inclusion on the 2005 Lions tour of New Zealand.

 

PONTYPRIDD  (A Oct 19/20/21, H Jan 11/12/13)

 

That there are so many empty seats at the grounds of Welsh regions for Pro12 games does not mean they have no fans, it means they are happy to continue supporting their local clubs. This was evident by the decent travelling support (for an awkward Sunday afternoon kickoff at Donnybrook I might add) that accompanied Ponty when they came to Dublin last January for the BANDI Cup quarterfinals and their support didn’t wane even though they were outplayed 32-0. Pontypridd RFC have a proud history and produced current Welsh heroes like Matthew Rees, Morgan Stoddart, Gethin Jenkins and Martyn Williams.

 

JERSEY (H Dec 7/8/9, A Dec 14/15/16)

 

Many Leinster fans will be delighted at this draw as it gives them a chance to tack on another destination to their travelling tally – besides...the Channel Islands isn't exactly known as a horrible place to visit! Jersey RFC won 26 out of 30 matches on their way to winning the National League 1 last year and the excitement at reaching the Championship must be at fever pitch down there. Notable current players include the “big-haired” Richard Haughton, who has featured for Wasps and Saracens in the past, and prop Ben Evans who has 27 Welsh caps and used to play for Ospreys & Cardiff Blues.

 

So as you can see there is much to look forward to this season, and as always, entry to Leinster’s BANDI Cup games is free for season ticket holders. Unfortunately we'll have to wait for the Heineken Cup fixtures to be announced to get exact dates and times but fortunately it seems the trip to Leeds in January has been set so at least some travelling plans can be made.

 

Once I’m not expected to refer to the Leinster A side as the “Assassins” I’ll be 100% behind them for the new campaign.  JLP

© JL Pagano 2012