Ulster Rugby is delighted to announce SolarFix NI as the new sponsors of the Junior Cup and Junior Shield.
Established in 2015, SolarFix NI are the provinces leading solar panel suppliers, and since their inception, they have already delivered over 1,500 systems to both domestic and commercial customers across the province.
SolarFix NI have been the provinces leading Solar PV Specialists ever since their inception over a decade ago, and as Ulster CEO Hugh McCaughey explains they also provide the very best in customer service after the company recently installed solar panels on the East side of the Affidea Stadium.
SolarFix NI and Ulster Rugby team up to deliver a more sustainable Affidea Stadium
Speaking ahead of making the draw, Roy Lucas, head of Sales and Marketing at SolarFix NI said, “At Solarfix NI, we believe in investing in the communities we serve.
“As the renewable energy partner of Ulster Rugby, sponsoring the Ulster Rugby Junior Cup and Junior Shield is about more than rugby; it's about supporting the players, encouraging teamwork, resilience and ambition, and helping create opportunities for the next generation.
“As a renewable energy business, we are proud to play a small part in developing grassroots sport for future generations and supporting the clubs, volunteers and families who make club rugby such a success across the province.
“Ulster Rugby is a brand that invests in its future and the future of the next generation of players, this makes this such a valuable association for us to be a part of."
President of Ulster Rugby, Greg Irwin welcomed SolarFix NI to the Ulster Rugby family.
“SolarFix NI have a proven track record of delivering a high quality of service all over the province, and Ulster Rugby are delighted to have SolarFix NI as new sponsors of our Junior Cup and Junior Shield competitions.”
The SolarFix NI Junior Cup sees the top eight Championship 1 clubs go head-to-head with the top eight AIL 2nd XV’s in a straight knock-out format, while the Junior Shield sees this season’s 10 Championship 2 teams being joined by Queens University, Enniskillen, Clogher Valley and Rainey second string sides along with the remaining two Championship 1 sides, Ards and Limavady.
Commenting on the draw, Terence McCracken, Ulster Rugby’s Competitions Honorary Secretary said, “The Junior Cup and Junior Shield continues to showcase the best of what our junior clubs have to offer, and this year’s first round draw has delivered some mouthwatering ties.”
Among the stand-out ties in the SolarFix NI Junior Cup is the clash Dromore and City of Armagh 2nds two of the competitions front-runners, while Belfast Harlequins trip to Ballynahinch 2nds is another eye-catching cup tie.
In the SolarFix NI Junior Shield holders Ards have been drawn to play Randalstown in what is a repeat of last year’s decider, and with home advantage, the North Down men will be confident of earning a similar result.
The clash of Strabane and City of Derry is sure to get tongues wagging in the North-West, while the clash of Coleraine and Larne is sure to draw a big crowd to Sandal Lodge.
SolarFix NI Junior Cup First Round Draw
- Ballymoney v Ballyclare 2nds
- Ballynahinch 2nds v Belfast Harlequins
- Omagh v Malone 2nds
- Ballymena 2nds v Lurgan
- Cooke v Banbridge 2nds
- Dungannon 2nds v Bangor
- Dromore v City of Armagh 2nds
- Instonians 2nds v Portadown
SolarFix Junior Shield First Round Draw
- Enniskillen 2nds v Limavady
- Academy v Clogher Valley 2nds
- Rainey 2nds v Letterkenny
- Carrick v Queens University 2nds
- Coleraine v Larne
- CIYMS v Lisburn
- Ards v Randalstown
- Strabane v City of Derry
All first-round ties will be played on Saturday 12th September with both finals to take place at the Affidea Stadium on Monday 28th December.
For more information on SolarFix NI and the products and services they offer, please visit www.solarfix.co.uk