Ulster Rugby’s Juniors side return to action this weekend as they begin their 2026 Interprovincial campaign, aiming to make it three titles in a row.
Having secured back-to-back championships in recent seasons, Ulster Juniors have firmly established themselves as the team to beat, with last year’s dramatic victory over Munster Rugby sealing a second consecutive title in memorable fashion.
That success built on a strong foundation of club rugby across the province, with players continuing to step up and deliver on the interprovincial stage. Now, the focus turns to achieving a historic three-in-a-row.
Leadership and Family Connections
Leading the squad this season is Gary Dillon of Dromore RFC, who captains the side as they begin their title defence.
In a unique family connection, Gary will take to the field alongside his brother Dean Dillon, highlighting the strong club and community ties that underpin the Juniors setup. There is further family representation within the squad through the Enniskillen RFC contingent, with brothers Eddie Keys and Henry Keys also in the squad.
The team is supported by Head Coach Damien Campbell alongside assistants Graeme Eastwood and Simon Patterson, Team Manager Jeremy Ogle and Physio Molly Mathers.
2026 Interprovincial Fixtures
Ulster Juniors face a challenging schedule as they look to defend their title:
• Saturday 25 April – Munster Juniors v Ulster Juniors (A) Virgin Media Park, KO 2:00pm
• Saturday 2 May – Ulster Juniors v Connacht Juniors (H) Enniskillen RFC
• Saturday 9 May – Ulster Juniors v Leinster Juniors (H) Lisburn RFC
The campaign begins with a tough away trip to Munster, a repeat of last season’s final, before back-to-back home fixtures provide opportunities to build momentum in front of Ulster supporters.
Building on Recent Success
Ulster’s recent dominance at Junior Interprovincial level reflects the strength and depth of the club game across the province. The programme continues to provide a platform for players to represent Ulster with pride, while showcasing the talent emerging through grassroots rugby.
With standards higher than ever and competition fierce across all provinces, the challenge this season will be maintaining that consistency and hunger that has delivered success in recent years.
Ulster Juniors team to face Munster:
1 David Braden Omagh
2 Tom Arthur Donnan Ards
3 Ryan Emerson Lurgan
4 James Wright Portadown
5 Jack Rutledge Enniskillen
6 Henry Keys Enniskillen
7 Michael Rooney Enniskillen
8 Gary Dillon Dromore (Captain)
9 Charlie Williamson Lurgan
10 Eddie Keys Enniskillen
11 Robbie Johnston Ards
12 Dean Dillon Dromore
13 James Ferguson Enniskillen
14 Sam Balfour Enniskillen
15 Jonny Hunter Dromore
Replacements:
16 Niall Kennan Enniskillen
17 Andrew Shaw Bangor
18 Simon Creane Omagh
19 Ryan Hughes Dromore
20 Richard Dickson Dromore
21 Angus Keys Enniskillen
22 James Wright Ballymoney
23 Daire Hill Enniskillen