Squad changes at City of Armagh but new young talent are 'exciting', says Chris Parker

It was a summer of stability at Armagh with last year’s coaching ticket remaining in place.

However, Ballynahinch made a change at top with Adam Craig stepping down, meaning Mike Orchin-McKeever has taken over as head coach at Ballymacarn Park as the Co Down club look to win the cup for a third consecutive year.

Armagh coach Chris Parker feels the game will be a barometer of where his side is at a month out from the start of the All Ireland League.

“We have a good pre-season in the bank, we have lost a bit of experience, but we have a good group of school leavers and youth players who have joined us, so the age profile of the squad has changed dramatically but it is quite exciting," he said.

“There already has been a lot of growth and improvement in them throughout pre-season. I suppose the biggest test is to face a Division 1A team first up and it is going to give us a real idea of where we are as a group and where we need to get to and where we want to get to.

“Hinch are always the bar that other Ulster clubs base themselves off, so it will be quite exciting to see how we go."

Former Wallace Schools’ Cup winning prop Rio McDonagh makes his Armagh debut after joining the club during the summer from Banbridge, whilst Josh Lowey and Dan Reyolds also make their first senior starts.

Parker added: “Hopefully it is going to be another stepping stone as we build towards the All Ireland League because ultimately that is every one’s goal.

"It is about how we can use these games to rotate and to give younger players a chance to play at a higher level than second XV level and to see how they get on is an extremely important point and the purpose of the Ulster Senior Cup now.

“We’re really looking forward to it and getting back into some competitive rugby and looking forward to seeing how a younger squad and a younger group of players can grow and improve as the season goes on.

“This will be a great test for us to learn a lot about ourselves on where we need to go and how we need to get there.”

Hinch include Aaron Sexton, Mark Best and Connor Rankin in their backline, hooker Clayton Milligan captains the team.

In the other Group 1 game, Neil Doak starts his tenure as Banbridge coach with a game at Rifle Park against Dungannon.

The Stevenson Park club have also made changes to their coaching ticket with Johnny Patton taking over from Jonny Gilliespie, while former Ulster and Ireland prop Bryan Young is the new forwards coach.

Ballymena host Clogher Valley in Group 2, while the Belfast derby between Queen’s and Instonians scheduled for the Dub has been postponed.

Ballyclare welcome Malone in the Senior Shield for former Ulster full back Louie Ludik’s first game in charge of the Cloughan club, while Enniskillen, promoted from junior rugby last season, play their first ever senior game at Hatrick Park against Rainey.

It will be Graham Eastwood’s first game in charge of the Magherafelt club who give a debut to scrum half James Wright.