Ulster Rugby : Stranmillis to be 'Players Village'

Stranmillis University College in Belfast will be transformed into an 'Athletes Village' for next year's IRB U19 Rugby World Championship.

Organisers of the April 4-21 event have signed a deal that will see 11 of the 24 competing nations being based in the sprawling grounds at Strammillis, that's over 380 players and coaches.

"Stranmillis was an obvious choice because of its superb facilities and location and we are delighted that it is now part of what will be an unforgettable month of international rugby," said Ulster Branch Chief Executive Michael Reid.

"It can easily accommodate the 380 plus players and coaches, while it is also within easy reach of five of the six match locations at Ravenhill, Harlequins, Shaw's Bridge, Malone and Queen's.

"As well as the teams being billeted there, Stranmillis will also be a nerve centre for the tournament and will act as a focal point for International Rugby Board staff, referees, officials and media.

"Volunteers, transport and other essential support services will all revolve around Stranmillis," said Mr Reid.

Christine Nesbitt of Stranmillis University College said she was thrilled at the arrangement.

"We have all the facilities here to look after eleven teams, but it will still be an enormous undertaking," she said.

"We have 450 rooms, so everyone will have their own bedroom and space and we will be supplying breakfast, lunch and an evening meal to every player and coach, which will be a real challenge.

"I'm sure having such a mix of cultures from all over the world will provide a fantastic atmosphere around the campus and we look forward to welcoming them all to Belfast," she said.

Teams will arrive in Belfast on March 31 and depart after the final on April 21.

The 2007 IRB Rugby World Championship is expected to generate 20,000 hotel bed nights and be worth around £2million to the local community.

An announcement regarding which hotels will host the remaining 13 teams will be made soon.

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Tommy Bowe	40
Simon Danielli	35
David Humphreys	27

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