The Ulster Schools Development squad, comprising sixteen and seventeen year old players from fourteen different schools across the province, will spend two weeks in South Africa.  During the tour, which begins in Cape Town, they will undertake training sessions designed to improve and develop their skills and to bond the squad together.

The training will culminate in two matches during the tour, the first to be played this Saturday against Western Province Schools. The party will then move on to Durban and will play their second match against Durban Schools.

As well as the rugby, the touring party will also be experiencing the life, culture and scenery of South Africa.  Among activities planned are visits to Table Mountain, Langa Township, a guided tour of Newlands Stadium, Rugby Museum and the South African Sports Science Institute, and the PheZulu Cultural Village.

Tour Manager, Mike Rodgers, said that the emphasis of the tour was very much on development and team building.  He stressed that training and working together will allow the boys to develop their rugby skills and learn more about themselves as players.  All of the boys would be able to bring the skills they have learned back to their schools, and those involved would help develop the next Schools U18 side.

Specialist skills coaching during the tour to South Africa will be provided by former Ulster scrumhalf, Neil Doak, who has now taken up the post of Elite Development Officer for the Under 17 to Under 19 age group, and by Ulster Branch Development Officer Michael Black.  The squad will also benefit from coaching clinics at the Natal Sharks Academy in Durban.

With many of this year’s Inter-provincial winning Ulster Schools side having moved on to University and the next level of age-group rugby, the tour is very much looking towards the future. 

Ulster Branch President, Ian Graham, who is accompanying the tour, said “It is with particular pleasure that I congratulate those boys selected to represent Ulster Schools on this tour to South Africa.  The tour manager, Mike Rodgers and myself had the honour of taking our own schools to this wonderful venue in 1995, and I can assure all concerned that we will return, better rugby players, with memories which will endure the test of time.”

“South Africa is a country, not unlike our own, learning to cope with change.  It is culturally rich, offering a wealth of experiences.  Although this is primarily a sporting venture, we have tried to include a balance with our cultural activities, which I am sure, will broaden each tourist’s South African Experience.”

"As President of the Ulster Branch, I feel privileged to be asked to accompany the tour.  Ulster Rugby has only recently said goodbye to Alan Solomons as coach and Robbie Kempson and Warren Brosnihan as players.  This trio taught us a lot about the passion, which South Africa has for its rugby." 

To all our sponsors and especially Northern Bank, I would like to express the gratitude of the Ulster Branch.  Also, I would like to thank the parents of all the players who have also contributed.  Finally, to the players, I know you will have a wonderful experience, and I have no doubt that, to a man, you will represent your families, schools and your province in a manner, in which we can take pride.”

Forwards
Adam Aigboktae (Portadown College), Jonathan Clarke (The Royal School Armagh),
Gary Crowe (Wallace High School), Stephen Douglas (RBAI), Michael Entwhistle (Carrick GS),
Adam Glass (RBAI), David Johnston (Methodist College Belfast), Paul Karayiannis (RBAI),
Robert Logan (Ballyclare HS), Matthew McDowell (Down HS), 
Gareth Megaw (The Royal School Armagh), Matthew Nelson (Wallace High), 
Gareth Rankin (Campbell College), Paul Smith (Ballymena Academy)

Backs
Jack Caithness (Foyle & Londonderry College) Chris Cochrane (Coleraine A.I.),
Adam Craig (Grosvenor Grammar School), Richard Fletcher (Royal School Dungannon),
Peter Glass (Campbell College Belfast), Mark Jones (RBAI),
William Martin (Belfast Royal Academy), Harry McAleese (Wallace High School),
Andrew McKelvey (Ballymena Academy), Andy Moore (Ballymena Academy),
Jamie Smith (Campbell College), Michael Wilson (Rainey Endowed School)

Management
Manager – Mike Rodgers (Sullivan Upper)
Coach – Ken Hooks (Royal School Armagh)
Assistant Coach – Brian Robinson (Campbell College Belfast)
Physiotherapist – Simon Harland (IRFU Ulster Branch)
Doctor – Dr. Jim Murray
Technical Officers - Michael Black (IRFU Ulster Branch), Neil Doak (IRFU Ulster Branch)
IRFU Ulster Branch Representative - Ian Graham - President

Good Luck Messages

The Ulster Schools Development squad has received many messages of Good Luck. Among those wishing the tour every success are:

Murray & Co. Whole Jewellers and Diamond Merchants, Belfast
Graeme Johnston – on behalf of The Henderson Group
Laurence Martin – on behalf of Brett Martin Ltd.
Mark and Heather Douglas – on behalf of Finaghy Furnishings
Edwin Doran
Brian Wilson – on behalf of Tobermore Concrete
Margaret, Derrick and Amy Glass
Tom and Myrtle Clarke
Nick Karayiannis and family
Susan Nelson and family
Gloria Fletcher - on behalf of Frew Business Ltd, Moy
Lorraine Megaw and family
Oliver Smith and family