Adult Men’s Cup finals reach closing stages

There is a fresh look to the competitions this season thanks to some format changes arising from a review last year by the Competitions Management Committee (CMC).

Competition Honorary Secretary, Alan Egner, explains “CMC is committed to evolving and improving the cup competitions for the benefit of all. This week’s fixtures promise to deliver more thrilling rugby and showcase the depth of talent within our clubs."

"Our cup competitions are a very popular feature of the club season, with a final at Kingspan Stadium often the pinnacle of any club player’s career. Last year we undertook a review of each cup with the aims of making them more competitive, reflecting changes in rugby demographics and delivering an enhanced experience for both players and clubs."

Alan continues, "The changes included Belfast clubs entering the Bank of Ireland Town’s Cup for the first time with the McCrea Cup becoming its subsidiary competition. In the Gordon West Cup the inclusion of 1XVs and AIL 2XVs from the Provincial leagues has helped to provide fresh challenges for the Championship 3 sides. While the Crawford Cup and Forster Cup remain unchanged, the McCambley Cup for regional teams saw its biggest entry for many years thanks to an easing of its entry criteria.’

The changes have been well received by clubs and early rounds of the competitions have been hotly contested, for example with Belfast Harlequins 2nd XV just pipping Larne in a nine-try thriller in the Gordon West Cup, and Lurgan edging past Queens 2nd XV in the Bank of Ireland Towns Cup. Both fixtures that would not have been possible last year.

The pick of the week’s matches include Town’s Cup holders Enniskillen at Banbridge 2nd XV and Carrick at home to Monaghan in the McCrea Cup. We wish clubs every success and hope they enjoy their cup rugby in the weeks ahead.