The launch of the 2018/19 Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Rugby competitions took place at Kingspan Stadium today, Monday 19th November, in the company of representatives from the Boys Schools’ Cup, Girls Schools’ Cup, Medallion Shield and High Schools’ Trophy. The draw for the opening two rounds of the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup, the world’s second-oldest rugby competition, also took place in front of the 1st XV captains from each of the 33 participating schools. Last season, John McKee led Campbell College to a 19-13 final victory over The Royal School Armagh, securing a first title since 2011 for Campbell, and their 24th outright competition success. First won by The Royal School Armagh back in 1876, the Schools’ Cup has been competed for every year since, with 17 different schools having collected the famous cup, while Methodist College sit on top of the roll of honour with 35 outright titles. Speaking at the launch, IRFU Ulster Branch President Stephen Elliott, commented: “The Boys Schools’ Cup, Girls Schools’ Cup and all the other subsidiary competitions are a very important part of the Ulster Rugby calendar, and are eagerly awaited by all players, coaches, families and supporters alike. “It is with great anticipation that, at this time of year, preparations are well underway and schools are preparing to hear who they will be drawn against. While there can only be one winner, I wish all players and teams the best of luck and hope they make the most of their schools rugby experiences. “We would like to once again thank Danske Bank, whose name has become synonymous with Schools’ Rugby, for their continued support and we look to working with them during another exciting season of schools’ rugby.” Richard Caldwell, Managing Director of Personal Banking and Small Business at Danske Bank added: “Supporting the Schools’ Cup has always been, and continues to be, a central part of our support for local communities, alongside our other youth partnerships with Ulster Schools’ GAA and the Northern Ireland Schools Football Association. “This is our fourteenth year to support the Ulster Schools’ Cup and in this time we have seen how the competition plays an important role in developing the skills and talent of local young players, especially when we see players like Jacob Stockdale come through the ranks of Schools’ Cup rugby and go on to play for Ulster and Ireland. “We wish all the teams competing in this year’s competition the best of luck for the months’ ahead and are already looking forward to getting back to Kingspan Stadium for the final on the 18th of March.”

2018/19 DANSKE BANK ULSTER SCHOOLS’ CUP ROUND 1 Antrim Grammar v Carrickfergus Grammar Strabane Academy v Wellington College Games to be played on Saturday 15th December 2018. ROUND 2 Limavady Grammar v Larne Grammar Grosvenor Grammar v Friends’ School Cambridge House v Banbridge Academy Lurgan College v Foyle College Dromore HS v Regent House Antrim Grammar / Carrickfergus Grammar v Down HS Belfast HS v Strabane Academy / Wellington College Games to be played on Saturday 12th January 2019. ROUND 3 The seven winners from Round 2 will be joined in the Round 3 draw by: Ballyclare High School, Bangor Grammar School, Belfast Royal Academy, Coleraine Grammar School, Dalriada School, Omagh Academy, Portadown College, Rainey Endowed School and Royal School Dungannon. Games to be played on Saturday 26th January 2019. ROUND 4 The eight winners from Round 3 will be joined in the Round 4 draw by: Ballymena Academy, Campbell College, Enniskillen Royal Grammar School, Methodist College Belfast, Royal Belfast Academical Institution, Royal School Armagh, Sullivan Upper School and Wallace High School. Games to be played on Saturday 9th February 2019. QUARTER-FINALS Games to be played on Saturday 23rd February 2019. SEMI-FINALS Tuesday 5th March 2019, 2.30pm at Kingspan Stadium. Wednesday 6th March 2019, 2.30pm at Kingspan Stadium. FINAL Monday 18th March 2019, 3.00pm at Kingspan Stadium. --- Photo Captions:

Pictured at the launch of the 2018/19 Danske Bank Ulster Schools' Competitions are (L-R) Richard Caldwell, Managing Director of Personal Banking and Small Business at Danske Bank, Adam Warren (Ballyclare Secondary School / High Schools’ Trophy), Rex Tinsley (Campbell College / Boys Schools’ Cup), Katie Hetherington (Enniskillen Royal GS / Girls Schools’ Cup), Adam Lamont (Ballymena Academy / Medallion Shield) and Stephen Elliott, IRFU Ulster Branch President.
Pictured at the launch of the 2018/19 Danske Bank Ulster Schools' Cup are the 1st XV captains of the participating teams along with Richard Caldwell, Managing Director of Personal Banking and Small Business at Danske Bank, Rex Tinsley, captain of reigning champions Campbell College and Stephen Elliott, IRFU Ulster Branch President.

2018/19 Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Rugby Competitions Launched

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