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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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