The initiative, supported via £5.1m of funding from the UK Government’s Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), is focused on delivering capital improvements at 30 grassroots rugby clubs from across Northern Ireland. Collectively, the project aims to modernise facilities, improve accessibility and strengthen the role of rugby clubs as inclusive venues within their local communities.
Ballynahinch and Lisburn are among the first clubs to bring their projects close to completion, providing an early look at how the investment is being translated into real, lasting improvements. From new and upgraded facilities to more accessible spaces for members and visitors, the upgrades are already beginning to make a difference for the clubs involved.
Alongside representatives from both clubs, the site visits were attended by Tonia Antoniazzi, Chair of the Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee, and Gavin Robinson MP, as well as Ulster Rugby CEO Hugh McCaughey, President Paul Hart and Women & Girls Chairperson Paula Stewart. They were also joined by Mark Hazelton, Ryan Donaghy and Marnette Goulding representing MHCLG.
Hugh McCaughey commented:
“Grassroots clubs are the foundation of rugby in Ulster, and the Club Capital Improvement Project is about more than new facilities, it’s about enabling clubs to be more welcoming and accessible, particularly for people with disabilities and women and girls as our fastest growing demographic Moreover, many clubs are integrating important energy efficiency works which are important to support their long-term sustainability, while enhanced floodlighting will undoubtedly benefit the delivery of various participation programmes. It’s fantastic to see Ballynahinch and Lisburn leading the way, and we’re excited to see the remaining projects take shape in the coming months.”
Tonia Antoniazzi added:
“It’s genuinely uplifting to see UK Government funding being used to support rugby clubs in Northern Ireland. Ballynahinch and Lisburn are fantastic examples of how this investment is enhancing facilities, creating safe and welcoming spaces, and ensuring that everyone -including women and girls – can thrive in the game.”
With the projects at Ballynahinch and Lisburn almost complete, attention now turns to the many other clubs across the province that are working to progress their own improvement projects in the coming months. These include further changing room extensions and renovations, energy efficient floodlighting and other sustainable clubhouse improvements, with an aim for all 30 to be completed by Summer 2026.
For more information on Ulster Rugby’s ‘Club Capital Improvement Project’, contact Funding Manager matthew.holmes@ulsterrugby.com