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The event itself was split into 2 regions, as a result of the huge demand that was received when the Development team first touted the possibility of such an event taking place, with a Northern Region event hosted at Ballymena RFC while a Southern region event took place at Portadown RFC.  In the end 6 teams would gather at Portadown and a further 9 at Ballymena come the morning of the event, keen with anticipation of what, for many, would be their first experience of rugby.  The competing teams were as follows,

Northern Region

Ballee Community School
Edmund Rice College
Glengormley High School
Larne High School
St Benedicts College
St Mary’s Grammar School
St Puis X College
Sperrin Integrated

Southern Region

Abbey Grammar School
Newtownhamilton High School
St Paul’s High School
St Michaels College
Rathfriland High School
Rathmore Grammar School

Special mention should go to St Pius X College of Magerafelt who managed to field 2 separate teams on the day, both capable of competing with the very best teams in the event.

As events got underway, at both venue’s members of the IRFU Ulster Branch Youth Development team stood back in amazement as the young participants showed real talent for the game they had until very recently, little or no experience of.  The standard of play continued to rise as the talented teenagers got to grips with the technicalities of the game, many of whom showing great individual flair and natural ability which led to a free flowing, attractive brand of rugby.

Although the tournament was focused on participation and giving these young men a start in rugby, a mention should go to the outstanding teams from St Mary’s, Magerafelt, who in their first games of rugby showed remarkable promise in the Northern region and the impressive Abbey Grammar School from Newry who swept all before them in the Southern Event, each against stiff opposition from competing schools.

IRFU Ulster Branch Youth Development Manager Barry Willis said of the event,

‘This competition represents a massive step forward for the many non-traditional Rugby playing schools throughout the province. It just goes to show, Rugby as a sport is available to all schools regardless of background or traditions and can find its place in the sporting spectrum for everyone.

 ‘Through the Development staff at the Branch each of these schools has shown a dedication to their newly adopted sport over the last few months and we look forward to them competing for many years to come’ he continued

Thanks from all the Ulster Branch and all competing schools go to our friends at Ballymena RFC and Portadown RFC respectively for the use of their fine facilities for what was an enjoyable day for all involved.