In attendance were five of the winning captains from last year’s competitions, as well as Richard Clingan and Barney McGonigle from the Ulster Branch Schools' Committee, and Clare Megarry and Ian Russell from Danske Bank.
The defending Danske Bank Boys' Ulster Schools’ Cup champions, Wallace High School were represented by 1XV Captain, James Gould and head coach, Derek Suffern.
Last season, Wallace High School ended their long wait for a Danske Bank Ulster Schools' Cup title with a hard-fought 24-15 victory over Royal School Armagh.
The Danske Bank Girls' Ulster Schools’ Cup was retained for a third year by Enniskillen Royal Grammar School. In last season’s final, ERGS emerged victorious in a captivating clash against St. Louis' Grammar School, showcasing an impressive display of attacking prowess, emerging 47-12 winners. Today they were represented by captain, Orlaith Maguire and head coach, Dee Colville.
RBAI retained the Danske Bank Ulster Schools' Medallion Shield for a third year running, defeating Friends' School 38-7 in a thrilling encounter. Captain, James Wootton and head coach, Jamie Kirk attended today.
Campbell College were last year’s winners of the Danske Bank Ulster Schools' U16 Cup for a second year running, defeating Methodist College in a second-half comeback, 35-29. This season's captain, Peter Young was present with coach, John West.
Last season’s Danske Bank U16 Ulster High Schools’ Trophy was won by Limavady High School, in a thrilling game against Bangor Academy, in which a late try sealed Limavady's fate, 17-13. Today coach Ronnie Caskey was in attendance with this season's captain, Arthur Hylands.
The Ulster Schools’ Committee was represented by Chairman, Richard Clingan, and PRO Barney McGonigle, with Ian Russell and Clare Megarry in attendance on behalf of Danske Bank.
Ulster Schools’ Committee Chairman, Richard Clingan, said:
“The schools’ competition season gets underway tomorrow with the U16 Schools’ Cup, which is an exciting time.
“It will be great to see some of our most talented schools’ players in action over the months ahead, and we thank Danske Bank for its support for our schools’ competitions over the years.
“I would like to take a moment to recognise the hard work of Barney McGonigle and thank him for all of his contribution to schools' and age grade rugby over the past 43 years. Barney's dedication was recognised this summer, when the U19 Interprovincial Series trophy was renamed, the Barney McGonigle Cup. He has also been made a lifetime Honorary Vice President and without him, a lot of our work would not be possible.”
Head of Homebuying at Danske Bank, Ian Russell, added:
“We’re passionate about helping our local communities and young people thrive, and supporting youth sports across Northern Ireland is one way we do that – through our partnerships with Ulster Schools’ Rugby, Ulster Schools GAA and the NI Schools’ Football Association. We’re looking forward to an exciting season of rugby ahead, and want to wish everyone taking part the very best of luck.”
Schools' Rugby is BACK ⚡️
— Schools' Cup Rugby (@DBSchoolsCup) September 19, 2025
The 2025/26 @DanskeBank_UK Schools Competitions Launch took place today at Affidea Stadium.
It's set to be another big season 👊
All the info 👉 https://t.co/X8SuYVDBiy pic.twitter.com/Xg7acoWYkE