Photo Credit: Ulster Rugby
The 2024/25 Danske Bank Ulster Schools Rugby competitions were officially launched this week, marking a significant milestone – the 20th year of Danske Bank’s backing of Ulster Rugby. The event saw past and present captains from last season’s champions gather to celebrate the occasion.
The reigning Boys’ Ulster Schools’ Cup champions, Royal Belfast Academical Institution (RBAI), were represented by their 1st XV captain, Blake McClean, alongside head coach Jamie Kirk. RBAI secured a dramatic 21-14 victory over Ballymena Academy in last season’s final, achieving back-to-back titles. Last year’s captain, Fraser Cunningham, is now part of the IRFU’s National Talent Squad and will be in action for Ulster Rugby’s Development side this Friday in Glasgow.
The Danske Bank Girls’ Ulster Schools’ Cup champions, Enniskillen Royal Grammar School, also celebrated their back-to-back success. Led by current captain Leah Irwin and supported by past captain Olivia Black, Enniskillen RG dominated last season’s final with a commanding 48-5 victory over Assumption Grammar School.
RBAI’s success extended to the Medallion Shield as well, with captain Cian McClean present to mark their impressive 36-10 win over Sullivan Upper School at Kingspan Stadium.
In the U16 Cup, Campbell College emerged victorious with a 45-26 win over Wallace High School in a hard-fought final at Pirrie Park. David Nelson, representing Campbell College at the launch, expressed his excitement for the new season, with the U16 Cup final returning to Kingspan Stadium in Ulster Rugby’s centenary year.
Bangor Academy’s past captain Steven Boyd, along with coach David Coey and current captain Jamie Armstrong, were also in attendance after their team’s 30-17 triumph over Dunclug College to claim the Danske Bank U16 Ulster High Schools’ Trophy.
Ulster Schools’ Committee Chairman, Richard Clingan, praised the summer success of the Ulster Under 18 Schools team, who won all four of their Interprovincial matches to secure the Kevin Kelleher Cup for the first time since 2017. Clingan also highlighted the expanded entry for this year’s U16 Schools’ Cup and acknowledged Danske Bank’s two-decade-long commitment to supporting schools’ rugby.
Danske Bank’s Head of Homebuying, Ian Russell, expressed pride in their long-standing support of schools’ rugby, noting the growing opportunities for boys and girls to play the sport across various competitions. “We’re passionate about helping local communities and young people thrive,” Russell said, “and supporting youth sports across Northern Ireland is one way we do that.”
With a host of exciting fixtures ahead, including schools celebrating milestone anniversaries, the 2024/25 season promises to showcase the best of Ulster’s schoolboy and schoolgirl rugby talent.
Key Dates for the 2024/25 Danske Bank Schools Rugby Competitions
Boys’ Ulster Schools’ Cup
- Group Stages Round 1: Saturday, 26 October 2024
- Final: Details to be confirmed
Girls’ Ulster Schools’ Cup
- Round 1: 18/19/25/26 September 2024
- Final: Details to be confirmed
Ulster Schools’ U16 Cup
- Group Stage Week 1: Saturday, 28 September 2024
- Final: Wednesday, 23 October 2024
For a full schedule of the 2024/25 competitions, visit the official Ulster Schools Rugby website.