Banbridge coach Neil Doak with delight at AIL derby dates potential as he returns to scene of past playing days

The new division was created as the IRFU looked to revamp the competition – Banbridge and Malone will be joined by Ballyclare, Clogher Valley, Enniskillen and Rainey with Malahide, Navan, Skerries and Sligo making up the 10-team division.

“Hopefully teams playing within a local vicinity is going to attract a few crowds, hopefully the level of rugby brings people in the gates,” said Doak, a former Malone player who also represented North of Ireland, Ballymena and Belfast Harlequins at club level. “I’m sure a lot of clubs are looking forward to Saturday's first All-Ireland League game and sort of see where everybody stands.”

The former scrum half was satisfied with Bann’s three Ulster Cup games heading into the AIL.

“Dungannon was a good start for us, Armagh and Ballynahinch were always going to be tough," he said. “With a few guys left out, we rotated just to have a look at combinations obviously with me coming in new to try and get a better understanding of what the squad depth was like and what players could do.

“There's definitely bigger players, the game's a little bit faster and you don't have the same amount of time on the ball.

"But I think, from the playing squad point of view, the three games were good head-outs for us and it gave us a good understanding of what we need to work on and where we're at.

“With me coming in new, it'd give me three or four games just to have a look at combinations and players and try and get a better understanding of what we feel is our top 30.”

Doak accepts it will be a difficult opening day for his side at Gibson Park.

“Malone have recruited pretty well so they're at home, which will obviously be a little bit of an advantage for them and it's not an easy place to go and play,” he said. “They've got a strong, strong set-piece and they've got a couple of guys on the edges that can do a little bit of damage if you give them a bit of space.

“I think both sides will be looking to get off to a good start and try and get the ball rolling for the first league game.

“I think it'll be a really good contest, if teams get chances on match day they'll be looking to execute that and obviously give them a little bit of a boost for the start of the league programme.

“We know and the forwards know that Saturday – and most Saturdays it starts with them – scrum and lineouts are going to be huge aspects of the game throughout the whole season, that's something that we're working hard on.

“We've kept most players, a few guys who have obviously moved on, we’ve a couple of Kiwi guys in who have bolstered things.

“We've picked up a few backs who have come in and have done relatively well...the good thing is, which is pleasing, we had 45 training on Tuesday night.”

Elsewhere in the division, Enniskillen host Rainey, Ballyclare welcome Sligo and Clogher Valley face Malahide.​​​​​​​