The Club Academy Cup brings together teams from across the Ulster province, providing a vital development platform for emerging talent within the club pathway. Designed to create a competitive “peer experience,” the competition predominantly features squads made up of players aged 21 and under.
This year’s final sees two well-matched sides take centre stage, each with their own compelling story. Enniskillen arrive with prior experience at this stage, while Rainey are preparing for a landmark moment in their academy’s short history.
Match Details
🏉 Rainey RFC Academy v Enniskillen RFC Academy
📅 Saturday 28 March 2026
⏰ Kick-off: 11:00am
📍 Venue: Affidea Stadium
🏆 Competition: Club Academy Cup Final
A First for Rainey
For Rainey RFC Academy, this final represents a historic milestone. Competing in their inaugural season within the Club Academy structure, reaching the final is an impressive achievement and a testament to the rapid progress made by the programme.
They have navigated a challenging route through the ‘Eastern’ side of the draw, overcoming two of the competition’s strongest sides, former champions Ballynahinch and reigning champions Ballymena, both of whom travelled to Magherafelt with high expectations but left empty-handed.
With strong home performances underpinning their run, Rainey now look to cap off a remarkable debut campaign with silverware.
Coach: Wilber Leacock
Rainey RFC Academy – Road to the Final
Quarter-Final - Rainey RFC Academy 31 (4) v Ballymena RFC Academy 19 (3)
Semi-Final - Rainey RFC Academy 55 (8) v Ballynahinch RFC Academy 24 (3)
Coach's View
We are delighted to have the opportunity to represent Rainey RFC at the Club Academy Cup final this coming weekend. We've had a really positive experience in our first season at this level, the players have loved the opportunity to play alongside their mates in this tournament and it would be such an achievement to bring home some silverware!
Wilber Leacock
Enniskillen’s Experience Shows
Enniskillen RFC Academy enter the final as seasoned competitors in the Club Academy setup. Ever-present since the competition’s inception, they have built a reputation as a disciplined and competitive outfit capable of delivering on big occasions.
Their journey to the final has been equally impressive. They overcame last year’s finalists, City of Armagh, before producing a standout performance to defeat a highly-rated Portadown side away from home.
With previous final experience behind them, Enniskillen will be aiming to use that know-how to their advantage on Saturday.
Coach: Trevor Whittaker
Enniskillen RFC Academy – Road to the Final
Quarter-Final - Enniskillen RFC Academy 25 (3) v City of Armagh RFC Academy 14 (2)
Semi-Final - Portadown RFC Academy 19 (3) v Enniskillen RFC Academy 22 (3)
Coach’s View
“Enniskillen RFC are delighted to be back at the Affidea for the Club Academy Cup final. We always value the Club Academy programme as hugely important to the club and a very successful vehicle to transition young men from youth to adult rugby. I know the boys will have a great day and we can’t wait for kick-off on what we hope to be a historic day for the club.”
Trevor Whittaker