Ulster Rugby vs Leinster

ADAM McBURNEY RECEIVES SUPPORTERS CLUB BURSARY AWARD

Young hooker Adam McBurney has been awarded an Ulster Rugby Supporters Club (URSC) Jack Kyle Bursary award for 2014/15.

JACK KYLE BURSARY AWARD

myself to being the best player that I can possibly be.” This is the first time that the URSC has awarded two Bursaries in the same season, second row Alan O’Connor having received a Bursary in January. The URSC Jack Kyle Bursary was inaugurated in 2007 and is awarded on an annual basis to an up and coming member of the Ulster Rugby Academy. The Award worth £2,500 is sponsored by the URSC, using monies raised by its annual Big Ballot, many prizes for which are generously donated by local businesses.

The Bursary is awarded on an annual basis to an up and coming Ulster player and is named in honour of Jack Kyle, who had been President of the URSC for many years prior to his death late last year. Adam receives a cheque for £2,500. Speaking on behalf of the URSC, Chairman Jonathan Bill said: “I am delighted to be able to announce that Adam McBurney will be this season’s second Jack Kyle Bursary recipient. Adam’s dedication to achieve his aspiration to be a top class professional rugby player, despite difficult personal circumstances, is inspirational. It was particularly pleasing to see Adam as an 18 year old gain a starting position in the Ireland under 20 team – just reward for his efforts throughout the season. All URSC members will follow Adam’s career with particular interest and we wish him every success with Ulster and indeed Ireland over the coming years.” Ulster Rugby Age Grade Performance Manager Michael Black said: “Having worked with Adam for a number of years I have first hand experience of his desire and drive to succeed in rugby. This is not only seen on the field, but reflected in his character off the field as well. Despite some difficult personal circumstances in the past year, Adam has never wavered in his dedication to be the best player that he can possibly be. Having come through the club pathway via Randalstown RFC, he has had many challenges along the way, but his achievements to date at provincial and national level are something both he and his family can be very proud of. I was delighted to hear that the URSC felt fit to award a second Jack Kyle Bursary this season, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them for assisting Adam on his rugby journey. ” Adam himself said: “I am pleased to be receiving this award, especially as it is from the Ulster Rugby Supporters Club. I am also honoured to be given a bursary that bears the name of the great Jack Kyle. I would like to thank the members of the URSC committee for believing in me and while I am absolutely delighted to be getting it, I also know that accepting such an award carries a responsibility to work hard and to dedicate

PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS OF THE URSC JACK KYLE BURSARY WERE

Alan O’Connor // 2014/15 Angelo Marica // 2013/14 Stuart Olding // 2012/13 Iain Henderson // 2011/12 Craig Gilroy // 2010/11 Paddy McAllister // 2009/10

Ian Whitten // 2008/9 Mark McCrea // 2007/8

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