The 2024/25 Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup competitions have been launched, marking the 20th year of Danske Bank’s partnership with Ulster Rugby.
In attendance were five of the winning captains from last year’s competitions, as well as the current captains from the respective schools.
The defending Boys Schools’ Cup champions, Royal Belfast Academical Institution (RBAI), were represented by 1st XV captain, Blake McClean and head coach, Jamie Kirk.
RBAI edged a thrilling final against Ballymena Academy to secure back-to-back victories in March, when they clinched the title with a 21-14 win. Last year’s captain, Fraser Cunningham, is now training with the IRFU’s National Talent Squad and is on the team sheet for Ulster Rugby’s Development Game against Combined Scottish Academies this Friday in Glasgow.
The Danske Bank Ulster Girls Schools’ Cup was retained for the second year by Enniskillen Royal Grammar School. In last season’s final, they showed a dominant display of rugby as they defeated Assumption Grammar School 48-5. In attendance yesterday was past captain Olivia Black, current captain Leah Irwin and coach, Dee Colville.
RBAI also retained the Medallion Shield for a second year running, and last year’s captain, Cian McClean, was in attendance. In last season’s final, RBAI put in an impressive performance against Sullivan Upper School at Kingspan Stadium, winning 36-10.
Campbell College were last year’s winners of the Danske Bank Ulster U16 Cup, defeating previous winners Wallace High School in a brilliantly contested final at Pirrie Park, 45-26. David Nelson represented the school at the launch. This year’s final will be played at Kingspan Stadium as an exciting addition to the stadium’s fixtures, in the centenary year of Ulster Rugby’s home ground.
Last season’s Danske Bank U16 Ulster High Schools’ Trophy was won by Bangor Academy, defeating Dunclug College 30-17 in an impressive win. Representing Bangor Academy at yesterday’s event was past captain, Steven Boyd, coach David Coey, and current captain, Jamie Armstrong.
The Ulster Schools’ Committee was represented by Chairman, Richard Clingan, and PRO Barney McGonigle, with Ian Russell and Clare Megarry in attendance on behalf of Danske Bank.
Ulster Schools’ Committee Chairman, Richard Clingan, said:
“We have had an exciting summer with the Ulster Under 18 Schools team, sponsored by Danske Bank, winning all four of their Interprovincial matches to claim the Kevin Kelleher Cup for the first time since 2017.
“The schools’ competition season gets underway in the next couple of weeks with the U16 Schools’ Cup, which has an increased entry this year, highlighting the growth of schools’ rugby.
“It will be great to see some of our most talented schools’ players in action over the months ahead, and we thank Danske Bank for its support for our schools’ competitions over the years.
“This is a notable year for schools’ rugby, with Danske Bank celebrating its 20th year supporting schools’ rugby competitions whilst two of our participating schools, Enniskillen Royal Grammar and Friends’ School Lisburn celebrate their 150th and 250th anniversaries respectively.”
Head of Homebuying at Danske Bank, Ian Russell, added:
“In 2024, Danske Bank is marking 200 years of helping support Northern Ireland people, business and society. Not only that, but this new season of schools’ rugby marks our 20th year of partnership with Ulster Rugby.
“Over that time, we’ve seen the opportunities to play great quality rugby increase, and we’re so proud to not only support the Boys Schools’ Cup but also now the Girls Schools’ Cup, the High Schools’ Cup, the U16 Cup, the Medallion Shield, and a whole host of other competitions – giving more young people in schools across the country the chance to get together, meet new friends, learn new skills and foster a real love for rugby.
“We’re passionate about helping our local communities and young people thrive, and supporting youth sports across Northern Ireland is one way we do that – through our partnerships with Ulster Schools’ Rugby, Ulster Schools GAA and the NI Schools’ Football Association. We’re looking forward to an exciting season of rugby ahead, and want to wish everyone taking part the very best of luck.”