Ulster School's Cup Final

OFFICIAL MATCH DAY PROGRAMME l PRICE £3.00

TUESDAY 17TH MARCH 2015 - KINGSPAN STADIUM - KICK OFF 15.00 RBAI V WALLACE HS ULSTER SCHOOLS’ CUP FINAL

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

It is my great pleasure to welcome you all here to Kingspan Stadium this afternoon for the 2015 Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup Final, contested by The Royal Belfast Academical Institution and The Wallace High School.

The Schools’ Cup is the second oldest cup competition in world rugby and the final is certainly one of the highlights in the Ulster Rugby calendar. I extend a very special welcome to the players and coaching staff from The Royal Belfast Academical Institution and The Wallace High School, together with faculty members, parents and supporters. I am sure both teams will make you incredibly proud as they put everything on the line today in pursuit of the 2015 Schools’ Cup trophy. I wish to express my thanks to the Ulster Schools’ Committee, particularly Chairman Stephen Black, for all their hard work and dedication to the game of rugby. I would also like to thank all those teachers who work tirelessly to promote rugby in our schools. I believe introducing young people to rugby at school level is crucial to the development of the game and we are grateful for the efforts of the players

and coaches in striving to develop the game at grassroots level. Schools’ rugby competitions benefit greatly from the generous support that we receive from Danske Bank. On behalf of everyone at Ulster Rugby I would like to thank them for their continued support. It is very much appreciated. Finally, I extend my best wishes to the players from both teams. RBAI is aiming for a 34th Schools’ Cup triumph, while Wallace are still searching for that elusive first title after four previous final defeats. I trust that irrespective of the result, every one of the squad members will take fond memories from this unique occasion and that they will continue to play and enjoy the game of rugby for many years to come. John Kinnear // President IRFU (Ulster Branch)

1

WELCOME FROM DANSKE BANK

Today marks ten years of collaboration between Danske Bank and the Ulster Schools’ Cup and it continues to be a privilege to support this historic competition.

The Schools’ Cup is one of the most highly anticipated sporting events of the year, with a strong following of pupils past, present and future from across the Province. It is the second oldest rugby competition in the world and yet continues to evolve and develop. This year saw the addition of the Danske Bank Girls Schools’ Cup competition and of course today’s final is taking place in the world class new Kingspan Stadium for the first time. Over the years the Schools’ Cup has showcased many outstanding young players who have gone on to represent Ireland on the international stage. Andrew Trimble, Chris Henry and Paddy Jackson, to name a few, are now household names and stars of the rugby world. A look at the Ulster squad in recent years gives a clear indication of how many have used the competition as a stepping stone to move into a professional playing career. At Danske Bank we take

great pride in our role supporting the development of such amazing young talent. I would like to give special thanks to the Ulster Branch who have worked alongside the Ulster Schools’ Committee to make this tournament possible, and the welcome they have shown to Danske Bank at the many events and fixtures leading to this final. For the players from RBAI and Wallace HS, this will be the most important match of their school rugby career. Both teams have shown grit and determination to make it to this final and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the teams, their captains and their teachers. On behalf of everyone at Danske Bank, I wish them all the very best of luck on this memorable occasion. Gerry Mallon // Chief Executive Danske Bank UK

2

WELCOME FROM STEPHEN BLACK

On behalf of the Schools’ Committee, it is a great pleasure to welcome everyone to Kingspan Stadium this afternoon for what promises to be an intriguing Danske Bank Schools’ Cup Final.

This, of course, is the first final since the full redevelopment of the stadium and we look forward to the prospect of two well respected teams marking that occasion with an enjoyable, and high quality game. In addition to the success of their 1st XV sides this season, RBAI and Wallace High School also contested last Monday’s Danske Bank Medallion Shield Final, with the Belfast school retaining the Shield with a 13-5 victory in a tightly fought game. It remains to be seen if that result will provide any pointers for today’s outcome but it highlights clearly the current rugby-playing strength of both schools whilst paying tribute to the influence of their coaches at all levels. Both schools have displayed impressive form throughout the season and, in their only previous meeting, fought out a 17-17 draw in December. This is the only blemish on an otherwise flawless win record for Wallace High School against Ulster opposition, while the only reverse for RBAI, against an Ulster school, came in a narrow defeat by Ballymena Academy back in November. While there is significant similarity in this season’s form, there could not be a much greater contrast in terms of previous Schools’ Cup success with RBAI seeking their 34th win in the competition and Wallace HS striving to have the school’s name engraved on the famous trophy for the first time, in their fifth final appearance. Indeed the Schools’ Cup Finals of 2003 and 2007 were repeats of today’s game with the latter providing RBAI’s most recent cup win. The sides have also had contrasting routes to the final. The Lisburn school gained away victories at Portora Royal School and Ballyclare High School before overcoming a Methodist College side, aiming for their fourth successive cup win, in the semi-final at Kingspan Stadium. On the other hand, RBAI had home wins over Regent House and Royal School Armagh prior to defeating Coleraine Academical Institution. This was a particularly historic occasion as it represented the last Schools’ Cup game played by Coleraine AI prior to the establishment of Coleraine Grammar School in September 2015. The rivalry between the two ‘Institutions’ goes back a long way with Coleraine AI providing the opposition for RBAI’s first Schools’ Cup victory in 1888, two years after they had been defeated in the final by the same rivals. For Danske Bank, today represents their 10th Schools’ Cup Final as our sponsors

and we are delighted to welcome their Chief Executive, Gerry Mallon, here to celebrate that landmark. The Schools’ Committee, and indeed all our schools, are indebted to Danske Bank for their continued support and generosity without which we would struggle to meet the demands of all our competitions, never mind our representative sides and our player development programmes. One need look no further than the current Ulster squad for the benefits which this is bringing to Ulster and Irish rugby, with the significant majority of Ulster’s professional players coming from our schools. This includes Roger Wilson and Chris Henry, past pupils of today’s opponents, and players who have appeared in this showpiece occasion. It would seem safe to assume that today’s teams will also have individuals who will end up making it into the professional game. There are many people behind the scenes who contribute to the success of schools’ rugby and the development of schools’ players in the province and I thank them all: Principals for their support for schools’ rugby; the Schools’ Committee for their dedication to develop rugby in schools and their administration of all our competitions; the administrative staff at Ulster Rugby, particularly Jill and Lesley; our PRO, “Barney” McGonigle, who ensures that schools’ rugby gets unrivalled coverage in the local press; the Ulster Rugby professional staff, initially under the guidance of Allen Clarke but now under Kieran Campbell’s direction, who are supporting the development of players and coaches both in schools and within representative squads and, of course, all those coaches and assistants who are working with young players in our schools. Without your contribution, Ulster Schools’ rugby would be in a much poorer place. It would be inappropriate not to commend the Ulster Society of Rugby Football Referees for all their help throughout the year and I offer best wishes to today’s officials, led by referee Mark Patton. I hope they have an enjoyable game free from controversy. Finally, I am confident that the game will be a great advertisement for schools’ rugby. I wish coaches and players from both schools all the best for today - may the better side win...

Stephen Black // Chairman Ulster Schools’ Committee

3

UPCOMING DOMESTIC FIXTURES AT KINGSPAN STADIUM

DATE

FIXTURE

VENUE

KICK OFF

DOMESTIC RUGBY

MARCH 2015

Thurs 19th

Danske Bank Subsidiary Shield Final Danske Bank Girls Schools’ Cup Final Danske Bank U16 High Schools’ Trophy

Kingspan Stadium 2.30pm Kingspan Stadium 1.00pm

Tue 24th Tue 24th

Kingspan Stadium

2.30pm

APRIL 2015 Mon 6th

Powerade Towns Cup Final

Kingspan Stadium 2.30pm

Tue 7th Wed 8th Sat 11th Sat 18th Sat 18th Tue 28th - Fri 1st May

Crawford Cup Final McCrea Cup Final McCambley Cup Final

Kingspan Stadium

2.30pm

Kingspan Stadium 7.00pm Kingspan Stadium 2.30pm Kingspan Stadium 1.00pm

Forster Cup Final

Gordon West Cup Final

Kingspan Stadium

3.00pm

Maxol Primary Schools’ Festivals

Kingspan Stadium 12.00 - 2.30pm

MAY 2015 Sat 2nd

Ulster Carpets Youth Cup Finals

Kingspan Stadium TBC

(U14, U16 & U18)

ULSTER RUGBY FIXTURES AT KINGSPAN STADIUM

FRIDAY 27TH MARCH 2015 ULSTER V CARDIFF BLUES GUINNESS PRO12 KICK OFF 19.35 FRIDAY 24TH APRIL 2015 ULSTER V LEINSTER RUGBY GUINNESS PRO12 KICK OFF 19.35 FRIDAY 8/9/10 MAY 2015 ULSTER V MUNSTER RUGBY GUINNESS PRO12 KICK OFF TBC

V CARDIFF BLUES FRIDAY 27TH MARCH KICK OFF 19:35 V LEINSTER FRIDAY 24TH APRIL KICK OFF 19:35 TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE FOR:

UlsterBranch

5

THE ROYAL BELFAST ACADEMICAL INSTITUTION

THE 2015 FINALISTS

THE WALLACE HIGH SCHOOL

7

GOOD LUCK FROM ROGER WILSON

Today is the fruit of over nine months’ hard labour for both Wallace and Inst. Before the ink has dried on their summer exams, these players will have been working hard and relentlessly in the dark confines of the gym.

Then winter comes and dark cold afternoons are filled with training sessions, to get ready for the next round of the cup. The games never get easier and the challenge is stark, but St. Patrick’s Day has finally arrived. For 80 minutes at Kingspan Stadium both teams will get the chance to do what most schoolboys dream of doing, playing in a Schools’ Cup Final. I got lucky. I played in two finals in 1998 and 2000 and was on the winning team both times. I have played many times at Ravenhill (now Kingspan Stadium) for Ulster and it never ceases to be special, even today. But nothing will replicate the feeling I got as a teenager running out for RBAI in those two games. You are never just representing your school in a final, there are many other people involved. You are representing your best friends inside rugby and out. You are representing your family, especially your parents who have sacrificed so much time and effort to support you on all those cold days and nights. Finally, you are representing people all around the globe who went to the school and will be supporting you for every minute of the game today.

I benefited a huge amount from my rugby experience at Inst under Brian McLaughlin who was my coach at school and later at Ulster. It was a different era in many ways back then... The shirts were baggier, weight sessions weren’t as rigorous perhaps and there were more gaps in open play. But we were still always motivated by the need to play and win for our team mates, who remain some of my closest friends to this day. Those friends are scattered around the world today. The years have been kinder to some rather than others. Some will watch in front of the TV, some will catch a sneaky glance at a second screen in the office and many will be at the game. Life moves on very quickly, so remember to cherish every last second on the field today. You are playing in the Danske Bank Schools’ Cup Final, which is something many dream of, but few experience. You will remember today for the rest of your lives. Good luck and enjoy every moment.

THE ROYAL BELFAST ACADEMICAL INSTITUTION

8

THE WALLACE HIGH SCHOOL

GOOD LUCK FROM CHRIS HENRY

It is with great pleasure and excitement that I write this short, ‘Good Luck’ message for The Wallace High School in today’s programme. This shall be Wallace’s fifth final in Schools’ Cup history; however the results have never gone our way... and it is time for a change!

It has been over a decade since I left Wallace which really makes me feel my age! In my final year, we lost to a very strong RBAI side, captained by former Ulster player Ryan Caldwell. Although we came out on the wrong side that day, it is still one of my most cherished rugby memories. All the small things; arriving at the ground, changing into the hallowed kit in the then Ravenhill changing rooms, running out on to the pitch - they were all amazing and never to be forgotten experiences - not to mention the few weeks of build up to the big day! There is so much interest around the match and the phenomenal support creates an incredible adrenaline buzz. To both sets of players I hope you savour and enjoy the experience and cherish the memories. I have no doubt that the Wallace support will be coming out in force, so hopefully you will hear us! To Principal O’Hare and to all the Wallace teachers, I am sure you are incredibly proud and probably more nervous than the players at this stage. To the parents of both teams, I would also like to say a big congratulations and thank you. Without the support of the parents, these young men would not have

reached this moment, so you should feel very proud of the wonderful job you have done. To Derek Suffern, Neil Hinds and all the extended coaching staff, congratulations on all your hard work. The players obviously love their rugby; however, it is because of your coaching, your guidance and the respect you have instilled, that they are here today. This group of players has been on a rugby journey which began 7 years ago. Success does not happen by accident and the best of coaches, structures and facilities for players to develop have brought us to this point. Schools’ rugby in the Province is in a very strong position and it is exciting to see Wallace continue to contribute in producing future stars. There is no doubt that the appointment of Derek Suffern, as Director of Rugby, has had a huge influence in the school’s success. My final message to the Wallace players is to enjoy the day and believe your time is now. History goes in RBAI’s favour; however, I wish to finish by reiterating what I said at the start... I think it is time for a change. The very best of luck lads!

9

MY FAVOURITE SCHOOLS’ CUP MEMORIES...

“PLAYED FOR ROYAL SCHOOL DUNGANNON IN THREE SCHOOLS’ CUP CAMPAIGNS – BEST ACHIEVEMENT WAS REACHING THE QUARTER FINAL IN 1986; KNOCKED OUT IN A REPLAY V RBAI. I HAVE GREAT MEMORIES FROM MATCHES BUT THE THING THAT STICKS IN MY MIND IS THE WHOLE ELECTRIC ATMOSPHERE DURING THE WEEK AND ON CUP DAY.” ALLEN CLARKE

“CAPTAINING THE SIDE AND LIFTING THE TROPHY FOR CAMPBELL COLLEGE IN 2002.” NEIL McCOMB

“BEATING NEIL DOAK IN THE 1989 FINAL!” NIALL MALONE

“WINNING THE SCHOOLS’ CUP IN 2010 WITH BALLYMENA ACADEMY.” JOHN ANDREW

“MICHAEL ALLEN CRYING LIKE A GIRL AFTER WE WON IN 2009.” CRAIG GILROY

SCHOOLS’ CUP MEMORIES

“QUARTER FINAL IN 1999 WHEN WE BEAT ROGER WILSON’S RBAI IN THE EIGHT MINUTE OF INJURY TIME.” IAN HUMPHREYS

“THE BUZZ AROUND THE SCHOOL AND BEING INVOLVED IN THE 2002 FINAL AT RAVENHILL.” PAUL MARSHALL

“LOSING IN THE FIRST ROUND THREE YEARS IN A ROW!” ANDREW TRIMBLE

“WINNING AWAY TO CAMPBELL COLLEGE IN THE 2004/05 CAMPAIGN.” DARREN CAVE

“WINNING THE CUP IN 1999 V BALLYMENA ACADEMY.” MIKE McCOMISH

“PLAYING IN THE FINAL AGAINST RBAI IN 2003, HOWEVER WE SADLY LOST.” CHRIS HENRY

11

EARLY ROUNDS - PHOTO MONTAGE

12

EARLY ROUNDS - PHOTO MONTAGE

13

RBAI WIN DANSKE BANK MEDALLION SHIELD

In the prequel to this Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup Final, RBAI were crowned Danske Bank Medallion Shield winners after defeating Wallace HS 5-13 in the final at Kingspan Stadium last Monday.

RBAI started brightly and opened the scoring with a fourth minute penalty from David Lyttle. Wallace responded with a good period of pressure, working the ball close to the try line on a number of occasions but failing to cross the whitewash. Lyttle had a chance to double the lead after a quarter of an hour but his long range penalty came back of the uprights. However, the Belfast boys did push further ahead in the 24th minute when Ethan Glover powered over following a strong hand off on an opposing forward. Lyttle saw his resulting kick hit the right post for a second time, leaving the score at 0-8. Wallace, to their credit, worked their way back into the game and were rewarded for their endeavours when left wing Conor Rankin spotted a hole in the defence and scorched through to touch down. The conversion attempt from Jack Dillon was off target but the gap was reduced to 5-8.

RBAI second row Jack Gilchrist was shown a yellow card in the closing stages of the first period but his side’s defence held firm, in his absence, until the break. The start of the second half saw both teams continue with their efforts to play entertaining rugby, but knock ons brought numerous attacks to a dissapointing end. That was until RBAI unleashed a superb backline move in the 40th minute. Lyttle did a neat wrap around move with James Heyburn and good hands from fullback Simon McMaster sent Kyle McComiskey racing clear to score in the corner. Lyttle’s missed conversion left the scoreline reading 5-13. Wallace again fought back with a long spell of pressure in opposition territory, but they were twice held up over the line by resilient RBAI defence. In the end there was no way through and the Belfast school held on for a moral boosting win ahead of today.

DANSKE BANK MEDALLION SHIELD

14

GOOD LUCK FROM HEAD BOY AND HEAD GIRL

THE WALLACE HIGH SCHOOL HEAD GIRL: ZARA KIRKWOOD On behalf of the Wallace family, past and present, I want to wish the boys all the very best for the final. Everyone at Wallace is so proud and excited and can’t wait to get down to the stadium to support the team with braveheart faces, banners and our now legendary samba band! We have every faith that you can win after a totally undefeated season. For the Year 14 players in particular I’d like to encourage you to make the dream that you have worked for over seven years come true. So many of our coaches were once Wallace boys; they will support you every minute of the game because they feel what you feel. Chris Henry, a Wallace hero, is going to be in the commentary box so give him something to shout about! I know that the dedication, determination and immense commitment that you have shown over the The team, under the watchful eye of Captain Lewis McNamara, ably assisted by Vice- Captain Mark Mairs, have experienced a successful season, as shown in the cup with confident victories over Regent House and Royal School Armagh. The guys showed fantastic resilience and character in their semi- final victory over our Inst counterparts from Coleraine. RBAI HEAD BOY: PATRICK DOLAGHAN I have been privileged enough to play alongside this great bunch of Inst boys at various points throughout my school career. The team is an extremely tight-knit unit which has benefitted from the maturity and experience of the older players, whilst the integration of the victorious Medallion Shield side has brought a new creative dimension to the senior squad. I know that I am speaking for every single one of them when I say that reaching the Schools’ Cup Final is a dream come true. However, despite several finals, due to the eight years of heartbreak which have followed our last victory, the hunger for success within the class of 2015 is greater than ever before.

MEET THE SUPPORT

On behalf of the entire school body I would like to extend the best of luck to all the players and coaches, whilst assuring them that the fantastic support which they have received to date will be ever present on St. Patrick’s Day. I have every confidence that the ability of my teammates and the passion of our fans will shine through in RBAI’s quest for number 30. Enjoy every minute out there today gentlemen and just remember that, in the words of the departing Mr McKinstry, ‘the future is bright, the future is black and yellow’.

years that have led up to this point will serve in our favour and I have every confidence that you can deliver a great performance before bringing home the cup. Make history for The Wallace High School and the city of Lisburn. As we all know, Wallace High is wonderful!

15

LEWIS MCNAMARA THE ROYAL BELFAST ACADEMICAL INSTITUTION

THE CAPTAINS

Lewis attended Inchmarlo Preparatory Department and started playing rugby in P7 at Instonians RFC. He has been with the 1st XV squad since Lower Sixth. He plays in the back row but also throws into the lineout. Lewis was heavily involved in the victorious Schools’ Cup Cricket Team in 2014, taking 10 wickets throughout the competition. He is studying History, Politics and PE and he plans to study History at Edinburgh University. Lewis says it is a great honour to captain Inst and is looking forward to leading the boys out onto the Kingspan Stadium pitch. He has dreamed of lifting the cup since 2007 when Mark Jones was the victorious captain. Today will be very special and we will leave Kingspan Stadium with a lifelong memory.

16

SAMUEL MOORE THE WALLACE HIGH SCHOOL

THE CAPTAINS

Samuel Moore is a former pupil of Anahilt Primary School. Now a Senior Prefect at Wallace, he is studying Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics at A2 level and is holding an offer to read Medicine at St. John’s College, Cambridge. Sam’s contribution to life in Wallace is varied. He is a keen musician and performer, he enjoys singing in the senior choir, playing the piano, guitar and the bagpipes. Sam started playing rugby as a prop for Lisburn RFC, before moving to the back row when he joined Wallace. Highlights of his rugby career at the school include two years playing at Medallion level, reaching the Shield final in 2012, and captaining the 1st XV throughout this season when the team has been undefeated. It is his ambition to become the first Wallace Captain to lift the Schools’ Cup. A member of 1st Loughaghery Boys’ Brigade Company for 14 years, Sam has been awarded the Boys’ Brigade’s highest honour, the Queen’s Badge and is in the process of completing his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. Sam’s plans for the summer of 2015 are to return to Uganda, which he visited in 2014, to carry out charity work in rural villages with the Boys’ Brigade.

17

GARRETT BELL

JAKE CHAMBERS

Second Row 13.11.96 196cm 100kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

Prop 30.10.97 178cm 102kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

JACK CONLIN

JOHN DICKSON

Wing 28.08.96 187cm 84kg —

Prop 18.09.97 187cm 107kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

PATRICK DOLAGHAN

JOE FINNEGAN

Out Half 13.11.96 178cm 77kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

Wing 06.08.98 187cm 87kg Ulster U17

ETHAN HARBINSON

JAMES HUME

Back Row 19.07.96 180cm 75kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

Centre 07.09.98 186cm 89kg Ulster U17

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

MARK MAIRS

MICHAEL LOWRY

Back Row 01.02.97 188cm 98kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

Out Half 20.08.98 176cm 76kg Ulster U17

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

THE ROYAL BELFAST ACADEMICAL INSTITUTION

TREVOR MORRIS

BEN McGAVOCK

Scrum Half 16.11.96 178cm 70kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

Centre 09.07.97 180cm 87kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

18

RYAN McCOMISKEY

ANDREW McGREGOR

Hooker 25.11.96 180cm 85kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

Full Back 27.03.97 182cm 80kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

SQUAD 2014/15

LEWIS McNAMARA (C)

CALLUM McLAUGHLIN

Centre 08.05.97 181cm 76kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

Back Row 18.12.96 190cm 95kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

PATRICK NICHOLAS

CALLUM REID

Back Row 02.01.97 185cm 87kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

Prop 16.01.99 182cm 100kg Ulster U17

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

BLAIR ROBINSON

NEIL SAULTERS

Hooker 07.03.99 181cm 80kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

Second Row 19.09.97 194cm 78kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

ANDREW THOMPSON

MATTHEW YOUNG

Back Row 08.01.97 180cm 80kg Ulster U17

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

Scrum Half 03.04.97 174cm 70kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

CONOR WALLACE

DERMOT WALLACE

Prop 13.11.98 184cm 100kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

Second Row 19.10.96 188cm 92kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

19

Tuesday 17th March 2015 - Kin THE ROYAL BELFAST ACADEMICAL INSTI

15 14 13 12 11 10

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

JAKE CHAMBERS

ANDREW McGREGOR

RYAN McCOMISKEY

JOE FINNEGAN

JOHN DICKSON

CALLUM McLAUGHLIN

GARRETT BELL

JAMES HUME

CONNOR WALLACE

JACK CONLIN

LEWIS McNAMARA (C)

MICHAEL LOWRY

9 8

THE ROYAL BELFAST ACADEMICAL INSTITUTION TJ MORRIS ETHAN HARBINSON

REPLACEMENTS FROM 16 17 18 19 C REID N SAULTERS D WALLACE A THOMPSON 20 21 22 23

P NICHOLAS M YOUNG P DOLAGHAN B McGAVOCK

MARK MAIRS

REFEREE TODAYS OFFICIALS

MARK PATTON

STUART GAFFIKIN RICHARD KERR NEIL ROBERTSON JOHN ADAMS

TOUCH JUDGE 1 TOUCH JUDGE 2

4TH OFFICIAL 5TH OFFICIAL

20

span Stadium - Kick Off 15.00 UTION V THE WALLACE HIGH SCHOOL

15 14 13 12 11 10

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

PHILIP HYLANDS

JONATHAN BLAIR

CONNOR GUINEY

BEN PENTLAND

ANDREW CARDOSI

ANDREW WEIR

RYAN WILSON

PATRICK FERGUSON

THE WALLACE HIGH SCHOOL

BEN FINLAY

GARY DILLON

NEIL KILPATRICK

SAM MOORE (C)

9 8

JONNY STEWART

ANDREW IRVINE

REPLACEMENTS FROM M SMYTH G MALLEY N WOODS G CHAN 20 21 22 23 16 17 18 19

T BAIRD A BLACK I NZEWI A HEAPS

MAX TROUTON

* TEAMS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

21

TOM BAIRD

ADAM BLACK

Second Row 21.01.98 180cm 70kg —

Back Row 19.04.97 180cm 82kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

JONATHAN BLAIR

ANDREW CARDOSI

Prop 17.08.96 175cm 101kg Ulster U20 Development Squad

Centre 25.10.96 188cm 83kg Ulster Schools’ U19

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

GARY CHAN

GARY DILLON

Wing 07.09.96 183cm 82kg —

Second Row 06.10.98 188cm 88kg Ulster Schools’ U17

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

PATRICK FERGUSON

BEN FINLAY

Second Row 198cm 100kg 21.02.97 Ulster Schools’ U18 and U19 squad

Wing 20.01.98 185cm 87kg Ulster Schools’ U18

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

THE WALLACE HIGH SCHOOL

CONNOR GUINEY

ADAM HEAPS

Wing 08.08.96 175cm 73kg —

Outhalf/Centre 28.08.97 178cm 75kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

PHILIP HYLANDS

ANDREW IRVINE

Fullback 24.01.97 183cm 75kg Ulster Schools’ U18

Openside Flanker 17.12.96 167cm 66kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

22

NEIL KILPATRICK

GRAHAM MALLEY

Outhalf 07.05.97 178cm 65kg Ulster Schools’ U18

Prop/Second row 10.03.97 193cm 112kg Ulster Schools’ U19

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

SQUAD 2014/15

SAM MOORE (C)

IKENNA NZEWI

Blindside Flanker 21.08.96 180cm 78kg —

Wing 04.06.97 188cm 77kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

MICHAEL SMYTH

JONNY STEWART

Hooker 04.09.97 177cm 87kg —

Scrum half 20.02.98 175cm 75kg Ulster & Ireland Schools’ U18

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

BEN PENTLAND

MAX TROUTON

Hooker 04.04.97 179cm 92kg Ulster Schools’ U18

Number 8 18.09.96 180cm 81kg Ulster Schools’ U18 and U19

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

ANDREW WEIR

RYAN WILSON

Inside Centre 01.07.97 178cm 80kg Ulster Schools’ U18 / U19 Dev Squad

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

Prop 28.10.96 186cm 106kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

NICHOLAS WOODS

Prop 18.12.98 181cm 109kg Ulster Schools’ U17

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

23

Supporting rugby grass roots

Improving the health and wellbeing of young people through sponsorship of Centra Half Time and Centra Summer Camps

24

COLERAINE INST

BEATEN SEMI FINALISTS

METHODIST COLLEGE

25

SUPPLEMENTS CANNOT COMPETE WITH WHAT REAL FOOD HAS TO OFFER

The IRFU’s Performance Nutrition Department has developed videos for underage players and their parents illustrating the benefits of real food over protein supplements.

The videos show that you can find the 20g of protein required for muscle recovery and repair in a number of everyday food items that exist in practically every household fridge. They outline the specific portion size of foods such as milk, eggs, yogurt and cooked meats that provide the 20g of protein that young athletes are looking for and also provide a host of vitamins and minerals that aid in the body’s development and growth. Andrew Trimble, Ireland and Ulster, said, “Real foods provide protein and carbohydrates which enable young athletes to perform at their optimum but they also provide all the essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals that allow muscles to develop, grow and recover. Your young athlete

will not get all this nutrients from a tub of supplements.”Nóra Ní Fhlainnagáin, IRFU Performance Nutritionist, commented, “Your fridge contains everything a young athlete requires; protein and carbohydrates to fuel their bodies, fluids, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, energy and antioxidants. The fridge is the place for young athletes to get the 20g of protein required to support the body’s recovery and growth after training as well as all of the other nutrients that are important for sport and health living. Real food provides the full sports nutrition package for young athletes. Supplements cannot compete with what real food brings to the table.” The video for underage players is fronted by 57 time capped Ireland international Andrew Trimble while the video for parents features IRFU Performance Nutritionist Nóra Ní Fhlainnagáin.

#EAT2COMPETE

26

RBAI

WALLACE HS

COACH PROFILES

DANIEL SOPER DIRECTOR OF RUGBY

DEREK SUFFERN DIRECTOR OF RUGBY

Daniel is a native of New Zealand but has a long association with Ulster rugby. Having played at Banbridge and Ballynahinch in the AIL he is now Head Coach at Banbridge and has worked with Ulster under 17 and 20’s in the past. After seven years at Ballyclare High School he is now into his second year at Inst as Director of Rugby.

Derek is an ex pupil of The Wallace HS. He has been Director of Rugby at Wallace for seven years and Head Coach at Ballynahinch RFC for ten years. He has worked with Ulster & Irish Representative squads and as a player represented Ulster and Irish Schoolboys and Ulster U20s. NEIL HINDS ASSISTANT COACH Neil is an ex pupil of Dromore HS and The Wallace HS. He has been a teacher at The school for eighteen years and Head of PE, Master i/c Rugby and Cricket for nine years. This is his third Schools' Cup Final as a coach. IAN LATHAM ASSISTANT COACH Ian is an ex pupil of Belfast HS and has been a teacher at The Wallace HS for nine years and Head of Year for five. Ian was the Head Coach of last year’s Danske Bank 2nd XV Cup Winners.

RICHARD HEDLEY COACH

Richard has taught Mathematics in RBAI for 18 years and has worked with the First Fifteen since 2002. From 2009 until 2013 he coached the Ulster U19’s and then the Ulster Schools squad. He played in the AIL for Queens University and Ballynahinch, and is now Head Coach of Portadown RFC.

27

NOT JUST ANOTHER RUGBY MATCH by ROD NAWN

BACK in 1876 the Danske Bank Schools’ Cup as we know it today was contested for the very first time – and one of today’s seats of learning, Belfast ‘Inst’ – took part in an epic three-match decider, ultimately losing out to inaugural winners, Royal School Armagh.

have worked hard to play on the finest stage of all, in front of fervent supporters and a large ‘live’ television audience. The players are the fortunate ones, representing their schools but also the scores of teams and players who, like them, started out in the campaign in January with dreams of lifting that famous shield. For many months coaches and aspiring young men trained in every possible condition, overhead and underfoot, their eyes firmly set on that first day of Schools’ Cup competition. For some of the traditionally more successful schools their teams’ entry would be delayed, the seeding system introduced in the last decade affording other – and new – schools the opportunity for a lengthier competitive season. Through the main cup itself or the subsidiary tournaments the aim to offer more meaningful action has been realised, and in just two days this stadium will be ‘rocking’ again as students, current and former, join friends and families to cheer on Down High School and Ballymena Academy in the Danske Bank Subsidiary Shield Final. And the Bowl and Trophy are also coveted rewards for teams which lost out at earlier stages of the senior competition, and such has been the success of the revised Schools’ Cup format in 2003 that there are more players and more teams staying in training mode for longer, rugby remaining a key part of the year in our educational centres. In 1876 the founders of what was then called the Schools’ Challenge Cup were providing an opportunity for real competition to encourage the growth of the game, and in the absence of any league system that original ideal has been maintained and grown. Early finals were staged rather randomly, and the Balmoral Showgrounds in Belfast then took on a more permanent role in hosting the match, while Windsor Park can also claim to have staged the St. Patrick’s Day celebration of the game. Then, in 1924, Ravenhill was the venue for the first time, and the hordes have since descended on the home of the game in

Historically that means that what started its life as Schools’ Challenge Cup is second only in rugby longevity to the United Hospitals Cup, established two years earlier and contested by the capital’s six medicine schools. So when St. Patrick’s Day arrives every year it is synonymous with schools’ rugby’s biggest occasion, its prestige undiminished, its importance perhaps even greater as the game’s structures keep a keener eye on the young talent which might constitute the big clubs, the Ulster of generations to come. For the squads lucky enough to parade their skills in the state-of-the-art Kingspan Stadium this afternoon, this is the day that makes worthwhile all those gruelling training sessions and pre-cup games in the chill, wet and gloom of late autumns and of December, January and February. The Danske Bank Schools’ Cup competition is now a very carefully-constructed tournament, designed to give more and more schools access to the tournament. The introduction of ‘seeding’ at various stages may have done away with the potential for a thrilling ‘David and Goliath’ contest in the first few rounds, an eye-catching upset as hot favourites fall to unfancied minnows. But there can be no doubt that sides get more games, players more competitive experience, and the Trophy and Bowl competitions guarantee the ambition to provide more meaningful action is realised. The Schools’ Committee of the Ulster Branch has shown foresight and there can be little doubt that more schools are playing the game and for longer each year. celebrates; the game of rugby itself, rudely healthy and still passionately embraced by young men – and women too remember in their competition! – who will hopefully contribute for years to come in every capacity, and at every level. This afternoon the two schools which earned their places in the annual, fevered showpiece And surely that is what today’s carnival atmosphere inside Kingspan Stadium

ROD NAWN

28

Methodist College, 2014

Article by Rod Nawn

Freelance Journalist and Sports Enthusiast @RODNAWN1

the Province, and until the arrival of the professional game the Schools’ Cup Final could often claim to attract the biggest crowd of the season to the ground. Kingspan Stadium retains so much of the aura of the old ground, but it provides players and fans with the best possible facilities, the perfect arena to stage one of rugby’s oldest but also most important finals. Some who feature today – and many who may have departed the tournament much earlier – will have already been earmarked for advancement through the dramatically improved youth and schools representative structures. Ulster’s Hughes Insurance Academy is the latest and most prestigious addition to the systems which identify talent and nurture its development, while Ulster and Irish Schools’ campaigns will further test the abilities of many who have taken part in this year’s Danske Bank Schools’ Cup. But, and as important, is the retention of coaches and players in the game: they may not all progress to the very top, but the real grassroots of club rugby will always be the foundation for the sport’s longevity. Ulsters’ league and cup competitions embrace every ability and ambition, but crucially keeps people involved, spreading the ‘gospel’. Saturday mornings at every club attest to just how far down the age and gender route rugby has travelled, succeeding in being professional in its development and in its provision of facilities and competition, but always encouraging the most common contribution of all: the amateur player, official or fan who finds that 80 minutes of sporting combat offers access to a family with so much more in common. The spotlight is on two fine groups of young rugby players this afternoon, and so popular and modernising has the sport become they will have the finest possible stage to perform – and enjoy – the decisive moments in a competition which means so much to those who have remained relatively unknown as it does to the best-known figures in its history. Royal School Armagh really started something when they took on RBAI in 1876, didn’t they? So, we’ll see you here again in 2016, on St. Patrick’s Day, as usual!

Bangor Grammar, 1978

29

FAN PICS #DANSKEBANKSCHOOLSCUP

30

FAN PICS #DANSKEBANKSCHOOLSCUP

31

THIS SEASON’S RESULTS

DANSKE BANK SCHOOLS’ CUP ROUTE TO FINAL

PRELIMINARY ROUND Antrim GS ROUND 1 Banbridge Academy

26

Strabane Academy

7

45

Antrim GS

0

Friends’ School Limavady GS Regent House Cambridge House Carrickfergus GS

5

Portadown College Wellington College

16

10 13

5 7

RS Dungannon Grosvenor GS

3

25

22 37

Lurgan Coll

3

Foyle College

Larne GS

10

ROUND 2 Bangor GS

26 17 24

Dalriada

15

Carrickfergus GS Down High School

Belfast Royal Academy

8 5

Rainey Endowed

PATHWAY TO THE FINAL Regent House 22 Portadown College 22

Foyle College Limavady GS

10 30 10

Royal School Armagh Portora Royal School

19

Belfast HS

6 5

Banbridge Academy Omagh Academy

0

Grosvenor GS

20

ROUND 3 Portora Royal School Ballymena Academy

0

Wallace HS

30 18 34

10 28 17 12

Methodist College

Down HS

Coleraine Academical Institution

Ballyclare HS Limavady GS

Bangor GS

5

Royal School Armagh

14

Royal Belfast Academical Institution 36

Regent House

0

Sullivan Upper Carrickfergus GS

0 7

Campbell College Omagh Academy

13 26

QUARTER FINALS Royal Belfast Academical Institution 23

Royal School Armagh Omagh Academy Methodist College

0 9

Coleraine Academical Institution

22 14

Campbell College

20 11

Ballyclare Hs

3

Wallace Hs

SEMI FINALS Coleraine Academical Institution

6

Royal Belfast Academical Institution 10

Methodist College

10

Wallace HS

12

32

THIS SEASON’S RESULTS

DANSKE BANK SUBSIDIARY SHIELD ROUTE TO FINAL QUARTER FINAL Sullivan Upper 10

PATHWAY TO THE FINAL

Ballymena Academy Carrickfergus GS

27

Regent House

12 25

8 3

Down HS

Bangor GS

Limavady GS

3

Portora Royal School

27

SEMI FINALS Portora Royal School

0 8

Ballymena Academy

34 19

Regent House

Down HS

FINAL Ballymena Academy

v

Down HS

Thursday 19th March, Kingspan Stadium, 2.30pm

DANSKE BANK SCHOOLS’ BOWL ROUTE TO FINAL QUARTER FINAL Dalriada 17

Grosvenor GS

12

Banbridge Academy

19 19 30

Portadown College

9

Foyle College

Belfast HS

14 10

Rainey Endowed SEMI FINALS Dalriada Rainey Endowed

Belfast Royal Academy

19 14

Banbridge Academy

11 10

Foyle College

FINAL Dalriada

31

Rainey Endowed

15

DANSKE BANK SCHOOLS’ TROPHY ROUTE TO FINAL

QUARTER FINAL Cambridge House

3

Royal School Dungannon

6 0

Lurgan College

34 10 13

Strabane Academy

Wellington College

Friends’ School

11 13

Antrim GS

Larne GS

(Larne GS won replay 42-11) SEMI FINALS Friends’ School Royal School Dungannon

7

Lurgan College

10

50

Larne GS

0

FINAL Lurgan College

10

Royal School Dungannon

19

33

Good luck to the 1st XV Wallace - Always Reaching New Heights

Commitment | Opportunity | Respect | Excellence www.wallacehigh.org | @wallacehigh | #esperance

SEMI FINALS AT KINGSPAN STADIUM

35

MAN IN THE MIDDLE MARK PATTON

UR: How did you get into refereeing? MP: As a PE teacher in Downshire School I was always involved in refereeing children’s games, even when I was still playing for Academy. This made the transition from player to referee quite an easy one to make and it was probably helped further by the fact that an old knee injury from my days playing at Ballymena RFC was starting to cause a few problems. My only regret about getting involved in refereeing was that I didn’t do it sooner as there are so many fantastic opportunities for young guys to do well, which can lead to a potential career for those that show real promise. UR: Are you looking forward to refereeing the most anticipated domestic game of the season? MP: To be appointed as referee for the Schools’ Cup Final is the absolute pinnacle for any referee domestically in Ulster. To add in the fact that it is the very first one held in the completed Kingspan Stadium makes it even more of an honour. MP: For me, I think that this is going to be one of the biggest challenges on the day itself. With two sets of players and coaches who have literally put nearly every other aspect of their lives on hold in pursuit of reaching the final, it is so important in terms of my own preparation, that nothing is left to chance. Schools’ Cup rugby for the bigger schools has pretty much become professional rugby in every aspect apart from getting paid. Training, video analysis, nutrition and rehab have all helped to create a level of rugby which seems to be getting closer and closer to that which we see on TV, and when you add in the size of the crowd that is likely to be there along with the opportunity to play on live TV, it’s clear that we are going to be managing 40 or so extremely highly charged young men! UR: What do you think of the standard of rugby that these two teams have produced in this year’s run up? MP: Although I haven’t refereed either team this year some of the feedback I have received from other referees about their ability has been incredibly complimentary. I did referee UR: What challenges do you face refereeing such a hyped up game?

Campbell College back in January against a huge and extremely talented team from Clongowes Wood in Dublin. The Dublin team have been one of the hot favourites for this year’s Leinster Senior Schools Cup and to be fair to Campbell, they were really unlucky to lose this match by one point in the very last play of the game. If Campbell aren’t even contesting a semi-final with a team of that quality then RBAI and Wallace should be something else. UR: What are the differences between this and senior rugby/professional games you have officiated? MP: As I‘ve already mentioned, in my opinion there is very little to separate what we see from the top schools in the Province and what we see on TV. In many ways it’s possibly better as you often see more flair in schools rugby and this is often discouraged by professional coaches looking to play a style of rugby which is all about aggressive defence and minimal errors. UR: How do you prepare for a game like this? MP: As I am refereeing or assistant refereeing nearly every weekend there is constant preparation going on in the days leading up to a game. Hopefully by this stage of the season and with so many games under my belt, my law knowledge should be pretty sound – it is more about preparing mentally for the unexpected. Sadly it is rather common for me to use the three or four hours driving to Cork/Limerick for a All Ireland League Division 1 game to be saying out loud what I should be saying to a player in any given situation. Doing this along with visualising certain scenarios, I feel gives extra confidence to know that I will hopefully say or do the right thing when under intense pressure. Something which probably all of the top referees need to live by is the mantra: ‘Fail to prepare – prepare to fail,’ and this has definitely helped me throughout my career. UR: What ref you most admire? MP: George Clancy – one of the world’s best and someone who is hugely dedicated to improving himself in every game. Neil Robertson – one of Ulster’s finest (so he keeps telling me!!!)

MAN IN THE MIDDLE

36

UR: Favourite match you have officiated? MP: Refereeing Edinburgh v Treviso at BT Murrayfield – my first PRO12 game as referee. UR: Best ground you have experienced? MP: Stade Marcel Michelin – home of Clermont Auvergne. The atmosphere is just incredible. UR: Most enjoyable experience? MP: Assistant Referee for George Clancy this year in the 6th round of the European Champions Cup. The game was Clermont Auvergne v Saracens and I remember thinking to myself during a stoppage in play “It’s for days like today that you become a referee!” UR: Most memorable experience? MP: Most memorable because it was my most embarrassing is probably when I was Assistant Referee four years ago in my first Heineken Cup game. It was Biarritz v Zebre and the rain was coming down sideways! I was on the pitch doing my pre-match warm- up in front of the main stand of about 7 or 8 thousand people and when I went to push

off to do a sprint at the half way line, my foot went from under me and I went flat on my face. Covered in mud and rather embarrassed I had to walk past the crowd into the changing rooms to a torrent of laughter. UR: What advice would you give to someone interested in refereeing? MP: This is something that I would really recommend to anyone who is keen to stay involved in rugby, or just trying to keep fit, and is not able to or not quite enjoying their playing anymore. For young guys, there are so many opportunities for those who do well to meet a load of new friends and travel right across

MAN IN THE MIDDLE

Ireland and potentially all over Europe. For more information on refereeing you can contact David Wilkinson at david.wilkinson@irfu.ie.

37