Ballymena Rugby Club coach Andy Graham insists that only promotion back to Division 1B of the Ulster Bank All-Ireland League will be deemed a success this season.
The Braidmen begin their AIL campaign at home to Galwegians this Saturday, aiming for an instant return to the second tier of Irish club rugby following relegation last term.
“I said before the start of the season that promotion was our top priority and that hasn’t changed,†Graham told Times Sport.
“It’s disappointing to be in 2A but we have to work hard to get back to where we should be.â€
Ballymena will embark on the league programme full of confidence after morale-boosting Ulster Senior League victories over Belfast Harlequins and Dungannon within the past week.
“There have been games this season where we have beaten ourselves but we have improved in the last few weeks.
“We’ve tweaked a few things and we’ve had much more cutting edge and that has been shown in the results.â€
Graham is also in the happy position of having players returning to boost his squad options ahead of the league campaign.
Out-half Timmy Small is back following a spell in Australia, while the Braidmen also have to have former Ulster Young Player of the Year Jamie Smith available following a spell of rehabilitation from injury.
Ulster Academy duo John Andrew and Dave Shanahan played in Saturday’s win over Dungannon and will further boost Graham’s opetions.
Rugby coach sets promotion target in All-Ireland League
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