School

McNaboe hoping to make Schools’ Cup dream a reality

15th March 2019
Methodist College captain Kevin McNaboe, who was in the squad for their 2017 final defeat against RBAI, is determined to end his schoolboy rugby career with his first Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup success on Monday afternoon (18th March, 3.00pm). McNaboe, who began his rugby journey in the mini rugby section at Belfast Harlequins, was watching in the stands the last time his school triumphed in the competition, back in 2014. Since then, Belfast rivals RBAI (2015, 2016 and 2017) and Campbell College (2018) have been crowned champions. “I think that all adds to the desire of this team, losing the final a couple of years ago and seeing other schools do well. We want to put that right in a sense. “It would be brilliant to lift the trophy and it’s something we’ve been thinking about for a long time and hopefully I can make that a reality on Monday.” Having defeated Dalriada, RBAI and Wallace en route to the final, and following a strong season to date, Methody have been installed as favourites by most onlookers. “I think it’s something we tend to ignore,” said McNaboe. “The slate is even when it comes to cup rugby as anything can happen really. Every time it’s Methody against Campbell it’s always going to be a big game and it’s always going to be a close and hard-fought battle.” While Methody have gained plaudits for their free-flowing brand of rugby this season, McNaboe said this is a result of cohesion built over a number of years. “I think traditionally Methody would have been known for having a big and aggressive pack but this year our backline is talented and a lot of players are in the Ulster (under-age) system and they play together a lot. “From our 23-man squad, I think there were about 18 of us were involved last year and there are 13 Upper Sixth players in the starting 15. Playing together for the last seven years adds to everything and helps us click.” Methody’s attack has proved to be extremely effective in the tournament to date, but Campbell’s defence has been equally outstanding and it sets it up for a tense affair on Monday. “They are a great side,” said McNaboe. “They have a good few players like Conor Rankin, Rex Tinsley and others, who are in the Ulster under-age set-up. “They gave us a great game in November and we’re expecting the same on Monday.” TICKETING INFORMATION Tickets for Monday’s game are available now at ulsterrugby.com/buytickets. Tickets will be also available to buy on the gate from 1.30pm on Monday, however, it is strongly advised that tickets are purchased online in advance, as lengthy queues are expected. Please note that transactions at the Mount Merrion Avenue Ticket Kiosk will be cash only.