The IRFU Ulster Branch ran an U19 blitz at Dungannon RFC last Friday evening, with the aim of easing the transition of players between the age grade systems at club and local grammar schools into adult rugby.
Omagh Accies RFC were joined by Banbridge RFC and hosts Dungannon RFC, watched by a sizable crowd including 1st XV coaching staff of the clubs taking part.
This season the Ulster Branch Committee had identified the need to assist clubs in bridging the gap between school/youth leavers and adult rugby by playing regional blitzes shortly after the Schools’ Cup and Youth leagues finished up. Clubs consulted with schools to identify players in their final year at school and introduce them to the club along with youth players and integrate now rather than waiting for pre-season in July. The next step is to run U19/U20 development fixtures in August/September that will allow these young men to play along with their peers against players of similar age and experience, and let clubs move players gradually into appropriate adult teams.
Regional Rugby Lead Darren McGuigan thanked coaches Stevie Irvine (Banbridge) Adrian Hamilton (Omagh) and Jonny Wright (Dungannon) for their work preparing the teams, as well as referee Gary Treanor and Dungannon RFC for hosting the evening.
Omagh Accies RFC were joined by Banbridge RFC and hosts Dungannon RFC, watched by a sizable crowd including 1st XV coaching staff of the clubs taking part.
This season the Ulster Branch Committee had identified the need to assist clubs in bridging the gap between school/youth leavers and adult rugby by playing regional blitzes shortly after the Schools’ Cup and Youth leagues finished up. Clubs consulted with schools to identify players in their final year at school and introduce them to the club along with youth players and integrate now rather than waiting for pre-season in July. The next step is to run U19/U20 development fixtures in August/September that will allow these young men to play along with their peers against players of similar age and experience, and let clubs move players gradually into appropriate adult teams.
Regional Rugby Lead Darren McGuigan thanked coaches Stevie Irvine (Banbridge) Adrian Hamilton (Omagh) and Jonny Wright (Dungannon) for their work preparing the teams, as well as referee Gary Treanor and Dungannon RFC for hosting the evening.