In attendance were representatives from 5 of last season's trophy winners.
The defending champions of the Danske Bank Boys Schools' Cup, Methodist College, were represented by 1st XV captain, Josh Stevens, who started in last season's final.
The Belfast school staged an impressive comeback to overturn a 17-7 deficit against Campbell College and win 20-17 in the traditional St Patrick's Day event at Kingspan Stadium.
The Danske Bank Girls Schools' Cup was settled last season by a clash of local rivals as Erne Integrated College beat Enniskillen Royal Grammar School 9-8. Representing Erne IC at today's launch event was captain Hope Milligan, who played in their cup win.
Campbell College are the current holders of the Danske Bank Medallion Shield, and were represented by last season's winning captain Ethan Kennedy. They got their hands on the silverware after beating Ballymena Academy 23-5 in March's final which was played in torrid conditions at Queen's Sport.
Ballymena Academy had already secured a trophy by that stage last season, as they emerged as the winners of the inaugural Danske Bank Schools' U16 Cup after beating Methodist College 29-17 in the showpiece at Kingspan. The school was represented in the launch event by their captain on that day of the final last November, Stevie Bristow.
Last season's Danske Bank U16 High Schools' Cup was won by Bangor Academy, who beat Castlederg 20 points to 5 in their Kingspan showdown back in March. Representing Bangor Academy in today's event was captain Jonah Topping, who served as vice-captain during last year's successful cup run.
The Ulster Schools' Committee was represented by Barney McGonigle, who welcomed those in attendance which included Campbell College Assistant Coach Sam McBurney, Ballymena Academy Director of Rugby John Nicholl, Erne Integrated College Coach Rory Hill, and Bangor Academy Head of Rugby Stephen Montgomery.
Ulster Schools' Committee Chairman Richard Clingan said:
"We're delighted to officially launch this season's schools’ competitions and continue our long affiliation with Danske Bank.
"Our first competitions of the season, the U16 Schools' Cup and Plate, are already under way and have produced some superb rugby so far, and we eagerly await the Cup final on the 19th of October.
"We also expect another exciting campaign in the Danske Bank Boys Schools' Cup, as the competition returns to a group stage format. All teams that have previously taken part in the competition are involved this year and Bangor Academy will take part for the first time, meaning a total of 35 teams will participate.”
Richard Caldwell, Managing Director, GB & Corporate Strategy at Danske Bank, said:
“It’s a privilege to be back at Kingspan Stadium for the launch of the 2022/23 season of Ulster Schools' rugby.
“This marks the 18th year of our partnership with Ulster Rugby, and forms a central part of our support for local communities throughout Northern Ireland. Each year, we watch on with pride as the competition grows in popularity – and, with an exciting new format offering even more competitive opportunities, we can’t wait for another season of high-quality schools’ rugby.”
For additional information, please contact alex.keery@ulsterrugby.com