UUC have two Saturday teams competing in the Ulster Branch Leagues. The 1st XV compete in Ulster Branch Kukri Qualifying League 3 whilst the 2nd XV play in the Ulster Branch Guinness Minor League. In addition, there is a Wednesday Ulster/Irish Colleges League and Cup squad.  All in all there are around 40-50 playing members in the club, though owing to the ever-increasing complexities of student life several of these players can only dedicate themselves part time to the club. Nonetheless, the club is also well known for having a superb social aspect once the rugby is done. Many life-long friendships are forged on and off the playing fields at UUC RFC.  UUC also boasts a full time rugby development officer, dedicated to developing the standard of rugby in the club, Chris Galway.

One of the best kept secrets of the North Coast is that – you don’t have to be a student to play rugby at the club!!  UUC RFC is open to all, not just the registered students. Thus, an opportunity to make full use of the excellent facilities the University provides is open to all.  These include a state of the art gym and strength and conditioning suite, as well as personal training regimes and state of the art rugby training equipment.  UUC RFC is open to everyone who enjoys their rugby and the social camaraderie that comes with it. 

One highlight in the up coming year is the prospect of a tour to Canada in the summer of 2008, which will include a current UUC side, and an exiles side.  This will be an amazing opportunity for all players both new and old to experience rugby in another culture.

 UUC in action

To date the club has produced four full Internationals, the most prominent of these being Jeremy Davidson. The club cannot really claim direct credit for him as he arrived at the University already identified as an Inter-Provincial player of major talent.  It is a measure of his quality as an individual that he deemed it important to play student rugby with his peers and to contribute to the club's Irish Colleges success in 1996 immediately after competing for Ireland in the Five Nations Championship.

As for the other three full caps, UUC RFC can claim a major influence, as all three played for their Saturday League XV. Paul Kennedy captained the University during the 1977-79 seasons, and won three caps for Ireland at prop in the early 1980's.  In recent seasons the club is particularly proud of their contribution to the progress of their two Canadian Internationals, Brain McCarthy and John Tait.

Recent success on the pitch has come in the form of an appearance in the Gordon West final at Ravenhill, and success in the All Ireland Colleges Cup.  The club has also boasted several representatives for both Ulster and Irish Colleges over the past number of years.  All new students joining the club will be watched closely and given the opportunity to be selected for their province.

UUC Rugby club is the perfect club for all young players to use as a stepping stone from school to senior rugby.  Several players have gone on to play for AIL club sides.  So if you’ve ever had the urge to re-live the excitement of your student days, or even sample the ‘student dream’ for the first time – here’s YOUR big chance, and you wont even be asked to open a book!!

For more information on UUC RFC, feel free to visit their website, http://www.uucrfc.co.uk/, or contact Jeremy Baird on 07732892291.  Pre season training will be beginning shortly.

Normal training times – Monday and Thursday from 5.30pm till 7pm at the Pavilion, UUC

Committee 07/08

1stXV Captain – Andy Hazzard
2ndXV Captain – Nathan McCall

Coaching Staff
Director of Rugby – Alan McCully
1stXV Coach – Brett Campbell
Development Officer – Chris Galway
Forwards Coach – Jeremy Baird
Backs Coach – Nigel Irwin

All clubs will be contacted regarding their profile for the website, but for further information please email: paula@ulsterrugby.com