*Photo: Leinster Rugby
The countdown to the 2025 Bank of Ireland Leinster Rugby Boys Schools Senior and Junior Cups has officially begun, with the fixture schedule and first-round matchups now unveiled. The prestigious competitions, renowned for showcasing Ireland’s rising rugby stars, promise another thrilling season of schoolboy rugby action.
Senior Cup Fixtures: A Clash of Titans
The Senior Cup kicks off on Monday, 20 January 2025, at Energia Park in Donnybrook. The opening match features St Gerard’s School against St Michael’s College, setting the tone for what is sure to be a fiercely contested tournament. Defending champions Blackrock College begin their title defense on Tuesday, 28 January, facing St Mary’s College.
Other notable fixtures include:
- Terenure College vs. Clongowes Wood College on Monday, 27 January
- Cistercian College, Roscrea awaiting the Vinnie Murray Cup qualifier on Thursday, 30 January
- Newbridge College battling Gonzaga College on Wednesday, 29 January
The final, for the first time, will take place at Tallaght Stadium on Monday, 17 March, adding an exciting new venue to the competition’s storied history.
Junior Cup Fixtures: Young Talent on Display
The Junior Cup gets underway on Tuesday, 4 February, also at Energia Park. The opening day will see Newbridge College square off against Presentation College, Bray at 1.15 pm, followed by Wesley College vs. Gonzaga College at 3.30 pm.
Defending champions St Mary’s College will start their campaign the next day against Kilkenny College, while Blackrock College and St Vincent’s Castleknock College await the results of the Father Godfrey Cup to learn their first-round opponents.
Key matches include:
- Terenure College vs. Belvedere College on Thursday, 6 February
- Clongowes Wood College against CBC Monkstown on Friday, 7 February
The Junior Cup final will take place at Energia Park on Wednesday, 19 March, concluding another chapter in Leinster Rugby’s storied junior competition.
Exciting Path to the Finals
Both competitions will follow the traditional knockout format:
- Second Round Matches: Scheduled for the weeks of 10 February (Senior Cup) and 24 February (Junior Cup).
- Semi-Finals: Slated for the weeks commencing 3 March (Senior Cup) and 10 March (Junior Cup).
The matches will be played exclusively at Energia Park until the finals, ensuring a consistent venue for the schools’ supporters to rally behind their teams.
A Showcase of Schoolboy Rugby Excellence
The Bank of Ireland Leinster Rugby Schools Cups have long been a breeding ground for future rugby stars, with countless players progressing to professional and international levels. These tournaments not only highlight the skill and dedication of student-athletes but also foster a deep sense of community and school spirit.
