Ulster Rugby vs Glasgow Warriors

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.”

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