Danske Bank Ulster Schools' U16 Cup Preview

The Danske Bank Ulster Schools' U16 Cup returns this season, with games getting under way this weekend.

The competition was introduced last season to provide a good level of competitive rugby for the group of players who had previously missed out on the Medallion Shield due to Covid-19.

The Ulster Schools' Committee also wanted to help players transition into senior rugby by keeping them together for a period of time.

Last year's inaugural final was won by Ballymena Academy, who beat Methodist College Belfast 29-17 at Kingspan Stadium.

Dalriada won the Plate by beating Royal School Armagh 13-12, while the Bowl was shared after a 10-10 draw between Limavady Grammar and Regent House.

Danske Bank Ulster Schools' U16 Cup

The Cup section of the competition will see 8 teams take part, divided up into two groups of 4.

Group A

Ballymena Academy

Belfast Royal Academy

Royal Belfast Academinal Institution

Wallace High School

Group B

Campbell College Belfast

Methodist College Belfast

Royal School Armagh

Sullivan Upper School

Schedule

Schools will meet across 3 match days, which are scheduled to take place on or before the following dates:

Group Stage Week 1 - Sat 24 Sep

  • Ballymena Academy v Wallace HS
  • RBAI v BRA
  • Campbell College v RS Armagh
  • Methodist College v Sullivan Upper

Group Stage Week 2 - Sat 1 Oct

  • BRA v Wallace HS
  • RBAI v Ballymena Academy
  • Sullivan Upper v RS Armagh
  • Methodist College v Campbell College

Group Stage Week 3 - Sat 8 Oct

  • Ballymena Academy v BRA
  • Wallace HS v RBAI
  • Campbell College v Sullivan Upper
  • RS Armagh v Methodist College

The winners of the 2 groups will meet in the Danske Bank Ulster Schools' U16 Cup final, to be played at a neutral venue on Wednesday 19th October.

Danske Bank Ulster Schools' U16 Plate

The Plate competition will see 4 schools compete in a Group Stage format:

Ballyclare High School

Coleraine Grammar School

Rainey Endowed School

Regent House School

Schedule

Schools will meet across 3 match days, which are scheduled to take place on or before the following dates:

Group Stage Week 1 - Sat 24 Sep

  • Ballyclare HS v Coleraine Grammar School
  • Regent House School v Rainey Endowed School

Group Stage Week 2 - Sat 1 Oct

  • Coleraine Grammar School v Rainey Endowed School
  • Regent House School v Ballyclare High School

Group Stage Week 3 - Sat 8 Oct

  • Rainey Endowed School v Ballyclare High School
  • Coleraine Grammar School v Regent House

The Group winners will be presented with the Danske Bank U16 Ulster Schools’ U16 Plate.