Ulster Rugby Annual Report 2015 - 2016

of information to clubs such as law changes, safety updates and general rugby information. The Youth Committee has also carried out a survey of all clubs to consider the best way forward for league structures for next season. Proposals are currently being finalised in advance of consulting with the clubs again. The dedicated work of the Youth Competition Committee, led by Chairman Paul Hart, oversees the running of all the youth league and cup games. This included the organisation of the League Finals for all age grades that were played at Meadowbank Sports Arena, Magherafelt in April and the Youth Plate, Bowl and Shield Finals that were all played at Mid- Ulster Sports Arena in Cookstown. The Youth season culminated with the very successful Ulster Carpets Youth Cup Finals day at the Kinsgpan Stadium in May where Virginia won the U14 Cup, Rainey the U16 Cup and Armagh the U18 Cup. The results of all Youth league and cup competitions are recorded in Appendix C and F. Ulster Rugby is very appreciative of Ulster Carpets for their continuing sponsorship of the Youth Leagues and Cup Competitions in Ulster. Ulster Carpets have also introduced monthly Ulster Carpets Awards to recognise the work and effort that clubs are putting into the Youth Game. Again, this is very much appreciated as it recognises the tremendous work that club volunteers contribute to Youth Rugby. Thanks are due to the Youth Committee, chaired by Paul Hart, for all their work and commitment throughout the year.

HIGH SCHOOLS RUGBY It is good to be able to report that High Schools’ rugby continues to flourish and develop. The High Schools’ Committee has worked hard to grow the game at all age grade levels. The regional networks introduced a few years ago are now working well and allowing High Schools to engage with each other and provide support and guidance to help develop the game. A High Schools Rugby Regulations booklet has been produced and more development blitzes organised including one at U18 level for the first time. It is also pleasing to see the High Schools Committee continue to work closely with the Ulster Schools Committee. The development of the game in High Schools is also very much down to the commitment and hard work in the schools by teachers, coaches and parents as well as the Branch CCRO and Regional Development staff and their efforts are very much appreciated. On the pitch, a number of competitions have been successfully organised and run. The Danske Bank U16 High Schools Trophy was once again won by Dromore HS while the U16 High Schools Plate was won by Ballynahinch HS. A total of 29 High Schools entered the U16 competitions including one new school, St Patricks, Keady, who made it to the U16 Plate Final. For the U16 Pollock Cup, 30 schools entered this season, 2 more than last season, with Dromore HS again proving too strong for the opposition. At U14 level, 42 schools entered the Trophy competition this season, an increase of 2 on last season, with Lurgan Junior High School being successful. The U12 Trophy was won by Killicomaine Junior High School

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