19 / 44
17
TODAY’S CAPTAINS
Rugby was never my first love, but after piling on
the pounds in the latter stages of primary school
I thought I’d take up a new sport that accepted all
shapes and sizes!
It was only when I joined Campbell that rugby
union became my new passion, more than just a
hobby. Although I was a regular on the C and D
team it didn’t really matter to me as I enjoyed the
sense of belonging and pride in school sport.
I owe a lot to Campbell, it is Campbell that has
guided me through the formative years of my life
and has made me into the young man I am today.
Campbell is so much more than just a school, the
ethos is embedded at the very core of each pupil
that passes through it’s doors.
Being part of the rugby club has provided me with
the most amazing opportunities; one particular
highlight was travelling to South Africa in 2014.
Being asked to captain the club is a huge honour,
the black jersey has captured the essence and
hopes of our school for over 100 years. I am a
committed Christian and seek to honour God on
and off the rugby pitch and this has influenced
how I choose to lead this group of talented
players.
The core of this team has journeyed through
school rugby together from U12 to 1st XV level,
picking up some players along the way. The hard
fought battles we have gone through as a group
are the foundations to the bonds that have been
made that will stand the test of time.
We will look back on St. Patrick’s Day 2016 fondly.
JAMES BOYLE
CAMPBELL COLLEGE
I am currently studying P.E, Geography and
Business Studies at A2 level and my plan is to
go Loughry College to study Food and Business
Management next year. After this game and the
end of the school year my sights will be set on
being involved with the Ulster U20 squad this
summer.
Over the years, I have represented Inst in athletics
and was an Ulster champion in the 100m, long
jump and 4x100m relay events, holding Irish silver
and bronze medals.
My love for rugby all started in P2 at Lisburn RFC
and I was awarded RBAI’s John Marshall Trophy
for Medallion Player of the Year. Being involved in
RBAI’s 1st XV over the past three years and also
representing Ulster at U17, U18 Schools and U19
has been an honour.
I would like to say thank you to Mr Soper for all of
his hard work – he is a great coach and a bit of a
genius when it comes to rugby. I would also like to
recognise Lewis McNamara, who has been really
supportive in helping me as captain. Not many
people get that luxury, he was a great captain and
he managed to pick me up when we got beat by
Campbell and Wallace. He’s certainly shown me
the ropes this year.
There will be nerves today of course. It’s my first
Schools’ Cup final as I was injured this time last
year. There are boys in the team who have been
there and bought the t-shirt, so hopefully their
experience will help today. It was a bittersweet
experience for me last year, watching from the
side-lines with Lewis picking up the trophy. I
promised myself at that moment that I would be
there this year.
Captaining this squad of boys is definitely
the highlight of my rugby career to date. I am
honoured to lead out my teammates in this year’s
final at Kingspan Stadium and only hope we can
do the double.
CONOR FIELD
RBAI