Ulster School's 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)

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