On Wednesday 8th March, Upper Bann Institute won the Colleges 10 a side Cup by beating Causeway Institute 7pts to nil in a very close final at Ballymoney RFC.  Both colleges qualified for the final following a round robin league involving the 2 finalists, Fermanagh Institute, North Down and Ards Institute, Armagh College and a combined team of North West Institute and Limavady Institute.  Although the elements didn’t favour open running rugby all colleges endeavoured to play an expansive game which all those watching found very exciting. 

As a result of their success Upper Bann Institute can now claim to be the kings of Colleges Rugby as they are also the current holders of the 7 a-side cup having won it earlier in the season.

On Friday 10th March at Armagh RFC, East Antrim Institute ran out winners of the inaugural 10 a-side Plate Competition as they remained unbeaten after the round robin fixtures against Lisburn Institute, Omagh College, East Down Institute and Newry Institute.  Lisburn Institute finished as runners up in what again proved to be a very exciting afternoon’s rugby.  Special credit should be given to Newry Institute who entered a team in an Ulster Branch competition for the first time in a number of years and whose team contained a large number of players who had only been playing rugby since October.

 East Antrim Institute - winners

The Ulster Branch would like to thank both Ballymoney RFC and Armagh RFC for providing the playing facilities for both finals at very short notice. 
The Ulster Branch would also like to extend its thanks to all of the colleges for taking part especially the students and staff who gave up their time to support the events.

Plans are currently under way to run a mixed tag competition between the various colleges after Easter.  Once details have been finalised information will appear on this website, however should you be interested in getting involved with rugby at any level then please contact your local Community Rugby Development Officer.