The Ulster Juniors is a senior men’s squad with players selected from clubs participating in Championship 1, 2 and 3.
They compete in a series, taking on their counterparts in Leinster, Munster and Connacht in the Junior Interpro Championship.
This season’s activity will begin with a trial night, with roughly 60 players selected to take part at Rainey OB RFC on the 21st of March.
The coaches will put the players through a series of scenarios and controlled games, before a final squad of 30-40 players is chosen for the Interpro Training Squad.
9 training sessions will be held in the build-up to the first game, which is against Leinster at Carrickfergus RFC on Saturday the 23rd of April.
The squad will travel to Munster on Saturday the 30th of April, with Lurgan RFC hosting Ulster versus Connacht on Saturday the 7th of May.
Coaches' Q & A
Graeme Eastwood - Head Coach
Club: Limavady RFC
What is your role with the Ulster Juniors, and how long have you been involved?
I'm the Head Coach, in charge of backline and team attack. This will be my 3rd year with Ulster Juniors after 1 year as Assistant Coach and 1 previous year as Head Coach.
What are your hopes and expectations for this season?
Winning the Interpro series. It’s great to have competitive rugby back at all levels after the impact of Covid 19. I hope to create a squad capable of challenging myself and each other to be successful at the highest level.
Ulster Rugby haven’t won a Junior Interpro title since 2017 and I would like to change that this year.
What does it mean to you to work with the Ulster Juniors?
It’s a huge honour to be able to lead my province at Interpro level. Any day you pull on an Ulster jersey or tracksuit should make you feel really proud. My father represented Ulster Juniors in 1974 and it makes me proud to be named as Head Coach for the 2022 Interpro Series. Having been assistant coach in 2019 I’m really looking forward to putting my spin on it this season as Head Coach and challenging myself to deliver at the highest level.
Damien Campbell - Assistant Coach
Club: Lurgan RFC
What is your role with the Ulster Juniors and how long have you been involved?
I'm the forwards and defence coach, and this is my first year being involved with the Ulster Juniors coaching setup.
What are your hopes and expectations for this season?
Winning the Interpro series. I also hope the players can benefit from my coaching and experiences to help them develop. Also I hope to build a positive environment were I can learn from players.
What does it mean to you to work with the UJ?
It's an honour to be a part of the Ulster Juniors setup as a coach, having represented Ulster Juniors at 18. It's a brilliant opportunity to meet new players and coaches. Ulster Junior teams have an abundance of talent and I am proud to be representing Lurgan RFC for this Interpro series.