In attendance at the launch at the home of Ulster Rugby were representatives from five of last season's schools’ trophy winners.
The defending champions of the Danske Bank Boys’ Ulster Schools' Cup, Royal Belfast Institution (RBAI), were represented by 1st XV Captain, Fraser Cunningham and coach, Jamie Kirk. In a tightly-contested final between RBAI and Campbell College, it took an injury time winner from former Captain, and now Ulster Rugby Academy player Jacob Boyd, to clinch the title in a 22-17 win at Kingspan Stadium in the traditional St Patrick’s Day showcase.
The Danske Bank Girls’ Ulster Schools' Cup was secured last season by Enniskillen Royal Grammar School, who had been runners-up in the previous campaign. Last year, the Fermanagh school went one better and defeated Royal School Armagh in a 10-2 contest at Kingspan Stadium. Players, Olivia Black and Aimee Ross, were joined by coach, Ian Ross, at today’s launch.
RBAI are also the current holders of the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Medallion Shield, and were represented by Medallion player, Cain McClean. In last season's final, the Belfast school got their hands on the silverware after beating Ballymena Academy in a tight 10-7 contest.
Wallace High School took home the Danske Bank Ulster Schools' U16 Cup in the 2022/23 season after defeating Campbell College 12-0. Captain, James Gould, and coach, Alan Monteith, represented the school today.
Last season's Danske Bank U16 Ulster High Schools' Cup was won by Craigavon Senior High School, who beat Ballymoney High School by 30-0 in an impressive win at Kingspan Stadium. Representing Craigavon Senior High at today's event was Captain, Samuel Russell, and coach, Damian Campbell.
The Ulster Schools' Committee was represented by Chairman, Richard Clingan, and Barney McGonigle, who welcomed those in attendance.
Ulster Schools' Committee Chairman, Richard Clingan, said:
“We’re delighted to officially launch this season’s Danske Bank Schools’ competitions, together with our long-standing partner.
“The first competition of 2023/24, the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ U16 Cup, kicks-off this weekend, and gets the new season underway.
“It will be great to see some of our most talented schools’ players in action over the months ahead, with the future for rugby in Ulster looking bright, based on all the talent present here today that has come through the competitions so far.”
Head of Home buying at Danske Bank, Ian Russell, added:
“At Danske Bank, we’re passionate about helping our local people and communities thrive, and one way we do that is through our youth sports sponsorships across Northern Ireland. Supporting Ulster Schools’ Rugby is a key part of that, alongside our other partnerships with Ulster Schools GAA and the NI Schools’ Football Association.
“This season marks the 19th year of our partnership with Ulster Rugby, which has grown from strength to strength. What’s great to see is that the partnership is more than a game – each year we see the friendships, dedication and talent evolve and it’s clear that these young players are making lasting memories through sport.
“We’re looking forward to an exciting season of rugby and want to wish all schools taking part in the different tournaments, the very best of luck.”
Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Competition Dates 2023 – 2024
Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup
Group Stage Qualifying:Saturday 7th October 2023
Group Stage Week 1: Saturday 21st October 2023
Group Stage Week 2: Saturday 18th November 2023
Group Stage Week 3: Saturday 9th December 2023
Round of 16: Saturday 27th January 2024
Quarter Finals: Saturday 10th February 2024
Semi Finals: Details to be confirmed
Final: Details to be confirmed
Danske Bank Ulster Schools' Subsidiary Shield
Quarter Finals: Saturday 10th February 2024
Semi Finals: Saturday 24th February 2024
Final: Details to be confirmed
Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Bowl
Round 1: Saturday 3rd February 2024
Quarter Finals: Saturday 10th February 2024
Semi Finals: Saturday 24th February 2024
Final: Details to be confirmed
Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Trophy
Round 1: Saturday 3rd February 2024
Quarter Finals: Saturday 10th February 2024
Semi Finals: Saturday 24th February 2024
Final: Details to be confirmed
Danske Bank Ulster Schools' U16 Cup
Group Stage Week 1: Saturday 23rd September 2023
Group Stage Week 2: Saturday 30th September 2023
Group Stage Week 3: Saturday 7th October 2023 – Cup & Shield/ Saturday 14th October – Plate
Final: Wednesday 18th October 2023 (Final – Cup & Shield)
Danske Bank Ulster Schools' Medallion Shield
Round 1: Saturday 18th November 2023
Round 2: Saturday 2nd December 2023
Round 3: Saturday 6th January 2024 (with option of playing before Christmas)
Round of 16: Saturday 20th January 2024
Quarter Finals: Saturday 3rd February 2024
Semi Finals: Saturday 24th February 2024 (Neutral Venues)
Final: Details to be confirmed
Danske Bank Ulster Schools' Medallion Plate
Quarter Finals: Saturday 3rd February 2024
Semi Finals: Saturday 24th February 2024
Final: Details to be confirmed
Danske Bank Ulster Schools' Medallion Bowl
Quarter Finals: Saturday 20th January 2024
Semi Finals: Saturday 3rd February 2024
Final: Details to be confirmed
Danske Bank Ulster Schools' Medallion Trophy
Round 1: Saturday 6th January 2024 (with option of playing before Christmas)
Quarter Finals: Saturday 20th January 2024
Semi Finals: Saturday 3rd February 2024
Final: Details to be confirmed
Danske Bank Ulster Schools' 2nd XV Cup
Round 1: Saturday 18th November 2023
Round 2: Saturday 2nd December 2023
Round 3: Saturday 16th December 2023
Quarter Finals: Saturday 20th January 2024
Semi Finals: Saturday 3rd February 2024
Final: Details to be confirmed
Danske Bank Ulster Schools' 3rd XV Cup
Round 1: Saturday 25th November 2023
Round 2: Saturday 9th December 2023
Round 3: Saturday 13th January 2024 (with option to play before Christmas)
Quarter Finals: Saturday 27th January 2024
Semi Finals: Saturday 10th February 2024
Final: Details to be confirmed
