Gareth started playing rugby age 8 with Ballymoney RFC mini section, thanks to the encouragement of his dad who was a keen rugby player.  He continued to play all the way through secondary school at Coleraine Institute up to 5th Year and he also played a season at Ballymoney RFC for the under 16XV.  He then moved to Coleraine RFC where he played for three seasons before retiring due to injury.  He has also played Ulster Colleges.  This is Gareth’s third year as a YDO and he enjoys the freedom the job provides, working within different schools, different communities and with different age groups.  He feels that youth development is very important for the future of rugby in Ulster and Ireland for increasing participation at all levels and introducing new players to the sport.