17
ULSTER
RUGBY
The Eagles launched on 6th
October 2013 when the Ballymena
Bears travelled to Stranorlar the
home of Finn Valley RFC for a
session to allow new players to
come and try tag rugby.
Although starting from a small player base, the
weekly Eagles training sessions which are now
taking place at Letterkenny RFC have slowly
attracted more players. The high point of the
season for the Eagles was their participation in
the Wooden Spoon International Tag Festival in
June.
Colin Farrell from the Eagles commented:
“Everybody thoroughly enjoyed the festival
together with the experience of playing at
Kingspan Stadium and meeting the other clubs
and players from the four home unions. Our
first season had its challenges but it has also
brought many rewards. It has been great to see
the players developing their skills and most
importantly enjoying the sport. The 2014 season
got off to a flying start with seven players at the
first training session at the end of September
and it is expected that the numbers will continue
to grow. We plan to take part in our first special
needs tag rugby blitz in November and we will
also host our own blitz at Letterkenny RFC on
Sunday 19th April next year. We look forward to
an exciting 2014/15 season.”
The Panthers were officially
launched on 22nd September 2013
at Chambers Park with players
and coaches from Portadown
Panthers & Newforge Taggers in
attendance.
As Willie Gribben the Panthers Chairman
explains: “It has been a busy and exciting
year for the Panthers. In November 2013 the
Panthers participated in the Ballymena Bears
tag rugby blitz at Eaton Park with numbers
having increased from a regular six attending to
10 players. In March 2014 they travelled to a blitz
that was hosted by the Newforge Taggers at the
University of Ulster, Jordanstown. The Panthers
entered two teams as their numbers had
increased with a total of 17 players taking part.
“The Panthers then hosted a blitz in April for five
local clubs providing a programme of games
for Under 15s & Over 15s. In May, the Panthers
Over 15s played against Coleraine Chargers
at the home of Ulster Rugby during half time
of the official opening of the new stadium. The
Panthers season finished in June when the
two teams participated in The Wooden Spoon
International Tag Rugby Festival at Kingspan
Stadium.”
Willie Gribben from the Panthers added: “It’s
been a truly remarkable year for the Panthers.
We have seen our player numbers grow to 20
and we also have 16 volunteer coaches involved
with the Panthers. Everybody involved - players;
parents; carers and coaches have thoroughly
enjoyed our first season and we look forward to
an equally successful season in 2014/15.”
