Ulster Rugby launched the Ulster Rugby MasterCard at Ravenhill today and encouraged supporters across Northern Ireland to apply for a card to secure major investment in the future of the game here.  

Proceeds from the new Ulster Rugby Mastercard, provided by Bank of Ireland could benefit Ulster Rugby by as much as £500,000 over the next 3 years.  In addition to receiving a one-off payment for each account opened, Ulster Rugby will receive a further contribution for each purchase made using the card.

All of the contributions and payments will fund both the successful Ulster Rugby Academy as well as giving financial support to rugby clubs across Ulster.  In the past three years, 16 players have graduated from the Ulster Academy into professional rugby players, including Andrew Trimble and Stephen Ferris, who now play regularly for both the Ulster and Ireland squads.

Former Ulster Academy players Paul Marshall, Andrew Trimble, Stephen Ferris and Paul McKenzie celebrate the launch of the Ulster Rugby Mastercard with Keith Crossan of the Bank of Ireland and Ulster Academy High Performance Development Manager Gary Longwell. 

Ulster Rugby Chief Executive Michael Reid said: "With a potential £500,000 to be generated over the next three years, the new Ulster Rugby Mastercard represents a very significant investment in the game by both our team partner, the Bank of Ireland and those cheering on Ulster Rugby from the stand and the promenade and terrace and highlights a commitment by all those supporters of Ulster Rugby to invest in the next generation of Ulster and Ireland stars from the grass-roots up."

Stephen Kirkpatrick, Head of Bank of Ireland, Northern Ireland said: "Today's announcement marks a new development in our hugely successful relationship with Ulster rugby and further demonstrates our financial commitment to the game here. The funds generated from the credit card will ensure the best possible future for Ulster rugby, both through the Academy and through the contributions that will be made to rugby clubs across Northern Ireland. The future of the game depends on recognising and nurturing home grown talent and we're delighted to be playing our part in that."

Holders of the new credit card will join a rewards scheme to win prizes that money cannot buy. Each time a cardholder users their card, they will be entered into a draw with a chance to win away trips to see Ulster play, signed shirts and photographs of players and international tickets to see Ireland. In addition, cardholders will enjoy a 10% discount on the remaining 06/07 home match tickets if purchased from the Ravenhill ticket office using the Ulster Rugby Mastercard.   

To apply for the Ulster Rugby Mastercard please phone 0800 7838 591 or click here